HomeMy WebLinkAbout09-13-2011 PRC Agenda Packet
City of Saratoga
Parks and Recreation Commission
AGENDA
DATE: Tuesday, September 13, 2011
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
Roll Call
Report on Posting of the Agenda: Pursuant to Government Code Section 54954.2, this meeting was properly posted
September 7, 2011.
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 Parks and Recreation Commission (PRC) Minutes:
‐ May 10, 2011
‐ June 23, 2011
Old Business:
1. Wildwood Cinema Movie Night Review
Issue: On September 10, 2011, the City, PRC, and Saratoga Monte Sereno Community Foundation hosted
Wildwood Cinema Movie Night. During the event, the movie Up was shown for free.
Action: Review Wildwood Cinema Movie Night.
2. Let’s Move Cities/Move It Saratoga
Issue: In February 2011, the City Council approved a resolution to become a Let’s Move City. In July, the Let’s
Move City Ad Hoc prepared a draft Let’s Move City plan that was approved by the Council at the August
17, 2011 City Council meeting. The draft plan includes the PRC’s Move It Saratoga program.
Action: Discuss plans for the next Move It Saratoga program.
3. Nesting Box Project
Issue: In early 2011, the PRC and Audubon Society worked together to place nesting boxes in the City’s parks
and open spaces for Saratoga cavity nesting birds and train volunteers to monitor the boxes.
Action: Share an update on the project and begin any necessary project coordination for the next nesting
season.
New Business
4. Daffodil Planting Project
Issue: At the May 2011 meeting, the PRC discussed a daffodil bulb planting project that took place in Kevin
Moran Park and decided to discuss the possibility of coordinating a daffodil bulb planting at a future
meeting.
Action: Discuss organizing a daffodil bulb planting project.
5. Public Works Update
Issue: At the May 2011 meeting, the PRC requested an update on Public Works projects and tree planting
efforts at the August meeting.
Action: Informational only.
6. Congress Springs Property Acquisition Update
Issue: At the June 2011 meeting, the PRC requested an update on the Congress Springs Property Acquisition at
the August meeting.
Action: Informational only.
7. Ravenwood Park Playground Improvement Project Update
Issue: At the June 2011 meeting, the PRC requested an update on the Ravenwood Park Playground
Improvement Project at the August meeting.
Action: Informational only.
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
‐ November 8, 2011 (New Meeting Location – City Hall Administrative Conference Room)
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 September 7, 2011 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, May 10, 2011
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 – 6:42 p.m.
Roll Call
Present: Goldberg, Johnson, Soukup
Absent: Wilson
Pedestrian, Equestrian, and Bicycle Trails Advisory Committee: Mary Anne Swan, Ray Cosyn
Staff: Morrow
Report on Posting of the Agenda: Pursuant to Government Code Section 54954.2, this meeting was properly
posted May 5, 2011.
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 March 8, 2011
meeting.
‐ BRUNO: MOVED TO APPROVE MINUTES FROM MARCH 8, 2011 MEETING
‐ JOHNSON: SECOND
‐ APPROVED 3‐0‐2 WITH GOLDBERG AND WILSON ABSENT
Joint Meeting with the Pedestrian, Equestrian, and Bicycle Trails Advisory Committee (PEBTAC): Discuss
collaborating on Saratoga Creek projects and the joint meeting with the City Council on May 18, 2011.
‐ Soukup introduced the item and welcomed the members of the PEBTAC. Members of the PEBTAC
introduced themselves.
‐ Goldberg shared that the PEBTAC would be recommending adding 5 new projects to the City’s Capital
Improvement Plan (CIP) at the joint meeting with the City Council. The projects will be marked on a map.
‐ Soukup noted that the PRC was interested in seeking Council approval to develop a restoration project
for Saratoga Creek near Wildwood Park. The project may be eligible for Santa Clara Valley Water District
grant funding.
‐ The PRC agreed to request Council authorization to work on the project at the City Council joint
meeting. If the PRC is authorized to work on the project, the PRC would be able to develop a project
scope in 2012 then apply for grant funding in 2013. The Commission would also ask West Valley College
to share insights into creek restoration projects and seeking Water District grant funds.
Old Business:
1. Joint Meeting Agenda
Issue: The PRC and PEBTAC are scheduled to hold a joint meeting with the Saratoga City Council on May
18, 2011 at 6:00 p.m. in the Administrative Conference Room at City Hall. The purpose of the
annual meeting is to provide the Council with an update on the status of the Commission and
request approval of priorities and goals for the upcoming year. Because time is limited, it is
recommended that Commissions develop agendas for the Joint Meeting.
Action: Finalize an agenda for the City Council Joint Meeting.
‐ Bruno asked the PRC if the Commission should review the focus and scope of the PRC with the Council
during the joint meeting.
‐ Johnson suggested that the focus on the PRC could be expanded to include green spaces, like medians.
‐ Goldberg shared her experience planting daffodil bulbs in Kevin Moran Park and suggested the PRC do
similar events in the future.
‐ Johnson added that the PRC’s scope could also include beautification as it relates to trees and plants.
‐ Goldberg suggested the Commission discuss Wildwood Cinema Movie Night with the Council to see how
the Council wants to proceed with the event.
‐ The Commissioners discussed their interest in reaching out to Saratoga residents to get a better
understanding of their park and recreation related interest. A variety of methods for obtaining
community feedback on parks and recreation were discussed. The PRC decided to add community
outreach to the joint meeting agenda.
‐ BRUNO: MOVED TO APPROVE A JOINT MEETING AGENDA THAT INCLUDED THE FOLLOWING ITEMS:
o COMMUNITY OUTREACH
o SARATOGA CREEK RESTORATION PROJECT
o WEST VALLEY COLLEGE LANDSCAPE DESIGN PROJECT
o MOVIE NIGHT
o COMMISSION FOCUS BRAINSTORMING
‐ GOLDBERG: SECOND
‐ APPROVED 4‐0‐1 WITH WILSON ABSENT
2. Wildwood Cinema Movie Night
Issue: In accordance with City Council direction given at the July 7, 2010 City Council meeting, the PRC
has been looking for an organization or group to coordinate the Wildwood Cinema Movie Night
in the future. Commissioner Wilson has been leading this effort.
Action: Discuss transitioning management of Wildwood Cinema Movie Night to another organization(s).
‐ Goldberg provided an update on the current status of Wildwood Cinema Movie Night. She noted that it
appears that the Saratoga‐Monte Sereno Community Foundation is interested in playing a role in the
future of the event.
‐ Goldberg proposed that rather than holding the event at Wildwood Park, it could become a movie series
held at other parks throughout the City.
‐ The Commission discussed the cost of the event, including the cost of renting movie equipment versus
buying it.
‐ Soukup asked Morrow to get the latest information on the event from Wilson
‐ Goldberg noted that the Youth Commission is very interested in participating in the event or doing
something in conjunction with the event.
3. Let’s Move Cities/Move It Saratoga
Issue: In February 2011, the City Council approved a resolution to become a Let’s Move City. The Let’s
Move Cities and Towns initiative is part of a nationwide initiate led by First Lady Michelle Obama
to reduce childhood obesity and help families make healthier choices. Council suggested the
PRC’s Move It Saratoga program could be part of the City’s effort to become a Let’s Move City.
Action: Discuss and finalize plans for the 2011 Move It Saratoga program.
‐ Morrow gave report on Let’s Move Cities and Towns initiative.
‐ The Commission discussed how Move It Saratoga could be expanded or altered to meet the objectives
of the Let’s Move Cities and Towns initiative. The Commission suggested extending Let’s Move Saratoga
to 1 year, reaching out to schools and families with children, and organizing guided hikes or bike rides.
‐ Further discussion on Move It Saratoga was added to the August agenda.
4. Saratoga Park Videos
Issue: In September 2010, the Commission released videos produced by Saratoga High School Media
Arts Program students to publicize City parks. Videos for Beauchamps, Congress Springs, Hakone
Gardens, Kevin Moran, Ravenwood, and Wildwood were produced. The Commission indicated
an interest in working with other Saratoga High School Media Arts Program students to create
additional videos.
Action: Develop plans to continue creating Saratoga park videos.
‐ Soukup introduced the item and asked if anyone on the Commission would be interested in working
with Media Arts Program students to do another round of videos.
‐ The Commission discussed making videos of City trails and other nearby recreational resources, such as
Montalvo, Garrod Farms, and Sanborn Park.
‐ Bruno volunteered to take the lead on the project. She’ll contact the Saratoga High School Media Arts
Program to see if there is interest in the project and follow up with Wilson to get details about how the
project worked last year.
5. Community Event Calendar
Issue: At the January 2011 PRC meeting, the Commission reviewed upcoming community events that
the PRC could participate and agreed to review opportunities to participate in community
events again at the May 2011 meeting.
Action: Review community event calendar.
‐ The Commission reviewed the community event calendar and decided to discuss participation in the Art
and Wine Festival at the August meeting.
Commissioner & Staff Reports (This includes committee updates and park reports. This section is informational
only; no actions will be taken.)
‐ Goldberg noted that the petanque court at Azule Park looks good and asked that the Commission add
discussing on a bulb planting project to the August agenda.
‐ Bruno reported that Foothill Park and Blaney Plaza look good.
‐ Johnson shared that Wildwood Park is in great shape, as is Bellgrove Park. Johnson suggested that the
lampposts in Bellgrove could use a fresh coat of paint though. Improvements to El Quito just started,
including tree planting and landscaping work. Johnson did notice that signage in El Quito on alcohol use
and group use permits will need to be updated. Johnson added that some of the nesting boxes are being
used by birds.
‐ Goldberg asked that the Commission review the City’s policy on alcohol use and group use permits at
the March meeting in 2012.
‐ Soukup requested an update on Ravewood Park Playground Improvements at the August meeting.
‐ Morrow shared that the Azule Park Petanque Court Dedication is on May 21, 2011 and informed the
Commission that the proposed fiscal year 2011/12 budget would be going to the Council at the May 18,
2011 meeting.
Agenda Items for Next Meeting
‐ August 16, 2011 (July meeting rescheduled)
o Nesting box project update and planning for the next nesting season
o Ravenwood Park playground improvements update
o Review the City Council joint meeting
o Daffodil bulb planting project
o Public Works Update, including report on recent projects and tree planting
Adjournment – 8:50 p.m.
Minutes submitted by:
Crystal Morrow, Administrative Analyst II
City of Saratoga – City Manager’s Office
City of Saratoga
Parks and Recreation Commission
SPECIAL MEETING MINUTES
DATE: Thursday, June 23, 2011
TIME: 5:00 p.m.
LOCATION: Saratoga City Hall
Administrative Conference Room
13777 Fruitvale Avenue
Saratoga, CA 95070
Call to Order – 5:08 p.m.
Roll Call
Present: Goldberg, Johnson, Soukup
Absent: Bruno
Public: Jeff Barco
Staff: Morrow
Report on Posting of the Agenda: Pursuant to Government Code Section 54954.2, this meeting was properly posted June 20, 2011.
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.
‐ Morrow shared email communication from Ed Katz regarding off‐leash dogs in the Joe’s Trail area.
‐ Johnson suggested that the topic be added to a future agenda for discussion.
‐ Soukup requested additional information about signage around Joe’s Trail and agreed to add the topic to a future meeting
‐ Jeff Barco, an applicant to the PRC, introduced himself.
Old Business:
1. Movie Night Events
Issue: During the PRC’s joint meeting with the City Council, the PRC was authorized to begin planning movie night events in
City parks. To hold the events, the PRC will need to recommend that the City Council pass a resolution extending
park hours for the events. Additionally, the PRC may want to request funding for the event.
Action: Determine whether to recommend that the City Council adopt a resolution extending park hours for movie night
events and allocate funding to the events.
‐ Morrow introduced the item.
‐ Goldberg indicated that in her conversations with Saratoga Monte Sereno Community Foundation members, the
Foundation showed interest in paying for one movie night event.
‐ The Commission discussed holding a series of movie nights or a single movie night event. The Commission agreed to hold a
single movie night event at Wildwood Park.
‐ Soukup shared that he felt the PRC could handle organizing the event if an outside organization could fund the event.
‐ The Commission discussed potential dates for a movie night event. The Commission agreed upon September 10, 2011.
‐ GOLDBERG MOVED TO RECOMMEND THAT THE CITY COUNCIL PASS A RESOLUTION EXTENDING WILDWOOD PARK HOURS
ON SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 10, 2011 UNTIL 10:00 P.M. FOR WILDWOOD CINEMA MOVIE NIGHT.
‐ JOHNSON SECONDED THE MOTION.
‐ APPROVED 3‐0‐1 WITH BRUNO ABSENT.
‐ The Commission discussed potential funding sources for the event.
‐ GOLDBERG MOVED TO RECOMMEND THAT THE CITY COUNCIL ALLOCATE UP TO $1800 TO PAY FOR THE COST OF THE
EVENT, PENDING CONFIRMATION THAT THE SARATOGA MONTE SERENO COMMUNITY FOUNDATION WOULD CONTRIBUTE
SOME FUNDING TOWARDS THE EVENT.
‐ JOHNSON SECONDED THE MOTION.
‐ APPROVED 3‐0‐1 WITH BRUNO ABSENT.
‐ Soukup asked if any members of the Commission wanted to form a subcommittee to start planning the movie night event.
‐ Goldberg and Soukup volunteered to be part of the subcommittee.
‐ SOUKUP MOVED TO FORM A SUBCOMMITTEE, INCLUDING GOLDBERG AND SOUKUP, TO BEGIN PLANNING WILDWOOD
CINEMA MOVIE NIGHT.
‐ GOLDBERG SECONDED THE MOTION.
‐ APPROVED 3‐0‐1 WITH BRUNO ABSENT.
‐ The Commission discussed which movie to show at the movie night event.
‐ GOLDBERG MOVED TO SHOW UP AT THE WILDWOOD CINEMA MOVIE NIGHT EVENT.
‐ JOHNSON SECONDED THE MOTION.
‐ APPROVED 3‐0‐1 WITH BRUNO ABSENT.
Commissioner & Staff Reports (This includes committee updates and park reports. This section is informational only; no actions will
be taken.)
‐ Morrow shared public to notice of intent to adopt a negative declaration for the Congress Springs Property Acquisition and
Conservation Easement.
Agenda Items for Next Meeting
‐ Update on complaints related to off‐leash dogs
‐ Update on Congress Springs Property Acquisition
Adjournment – 6:11 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: September 13, 2011 Parks and Recreation Commission (PRC) Meeting
Subject: Wildwood Cinema Movie Night Review
At the Commission’s joint meeting with the Saratoga City Council, the PRC was authorized to
organize movie night events in Saratoga parks. Planning began at the June PRC special meeting.
The PRC recommended that the Council pass a resolution extending Wildwood Park hours until
10:00 p.m. on September 10, 2011 for Wildwood Cinema Movie Night. Additionally, the PRC
recommended that the Council allocate up to $1800 towards the event. During the June special
meeting, the PRC also agreed to show the movie Up during the event.
At the July 6, 2011 City Council meeting, the Council authorized the resolution extending park
hours for Wildwood Cinema Movie Night and allocated funding towards the event. The
Saratoga Monte Sereno Community Foundation has also agreed to fund half of the event cost
up to $900.
The event was held on September 10, 2011. This item has been added to the agenda to provide
the Commission with the opportunity to review the event.
City of Saratoga
Memorandum
To: City of Saratoga Parks and Recreation Commission
From: Crystal Morrow, Administrative Analyst II
City of Saratoga
Date: September 13, 2011 Parks and Recreation Commission Meeting
Subject: Move It Saratoga
On February 16, 2011, the Saratoga City Council approved a resolution to join the Let’s Move
Cities initiative. Let’s Move is a nationwide campaign led by First Lady Michelle Obama and is
intended to engage governments, schools, health care professionals, faith and community‐
based organizations, and the private sector in finding solutions to the problem of childhood
obesity.
Cities and towns can participate in the Let’s Move campaign through Let’s Move Cities and
Towns, which is designed to encourage local governments to develop long‐term, sustainable
approaches to reducing childhood obesity. Local governments can take part in Let’s Move Cities
and Towns by submitting a twelve‐month plan that describes how the city or town will achieve
at least one significant action towards one or more of the following goals:
1. Help parents make healthy family choices
2. Create healthy schools
3. Provide access to healthy and affordable food
4. Promote physical activity
The Let’s Move City plan below was approved by the Council at the August 17, 2011 meeting.
Let’s Move City Pillar Proposed Action to be Taken in Saratoga
1. Give parents and caregivers the tools
they need to make healthy choices in
early childhood
- Improve food choices for children in public venues in
Saratoga by adopting a healthy vending machine policy
- Encourage healthier food options during City meetings
by adopting healthy meeting food and beverage
guidelines
2. Improve nutrition in schools - Encourage schools to participate in Healthier US School
Challenge through the School Ad Hoc Committee
3. Increase physical activity
opportunities
- Encourage Saratoga businesses to install bike racks for
customers by amending City Code to reduce off‐street
parking requirements for businesses that provide
bicycle parking
- Continue Move It Saratoga program
4. Make healthy food affordable and
accessible
- Support the sale of local foods in the community and
encourage the establishment of farmers’ markets by
extending Conditional Use Permit reimbursements for
farmers’ markets
Part of the draft City of Saratoga Let’s Move City plan includes the Move It Saratoga program
that the PRC conducted last year to encourage the public to use Saratoga parks and trails for
walking, running, or riding bicycles. Since the intent of the Let’s Move City program is to reduce
childhood obesity, Move It Saratoga should include a greater focus on children and families.
City of Saratoga
Memorandum
To: City of Saratoga Parks and Recreation Commission
From: Crystal Morrow, Administrative Analyst II
City of Saratoga
Date: September 13, 2011 Parks and Recreation Commission Meeting
Subject: Nesting Box Project
During the summer of 2010, the PRC began working with the Santa Clara County Chapter of the
Audubon Society to select locations to place nesting boxes in Saratoga. Locations were selected
in parks and open space areas around the City with the help of Michael Azevedo from the Santa
Clara County Chapter of the Audubon Society and Shawn Gardner with the Saratoga Public
Works Department.
In January 2011, the PRC and the Audubon Society conducted training for volunteers that
would monitor the new nesting boxes in Saratoga. The following month, nesting boxes were
placed in designated locations throughout Saratoga.
At the March 2011 meeting, the PRC agreed to discuss the results of the 2011 nesting season
and begin planning for the next nesting season at a meeting in the summer or fall.
City of Saratoga
Memorandum
To: City of Saratoga Parks and Recreation Commission
From: Crystal Morrow, Administrative Analyst II
City of Saratoga
Date: September 13, 2011 Parks and Recreation Commission Meeting
Subject: Daffodil Planting Project
At the May 2011 PRC meeting, the Commission discussed a daffodil bulb planting project held
in Kevin Moran Park. Approximately 1000 bulbs were purchased for $124 and planted in the
park in early winter. The Commission agreed to further discuss the project and opportunities to
coordinate similar projects in the future.
A number of cities and community organizations around the county coordinate similar daffodil
planting projects. A list of some of these daffodil planting programs is included below:
Keep San Jose Beautiful Daffodil Planting Program:
http://www.keepsjbeautiful.org/daffodil.html
New York City Daffodil Project:
http://www.ny4p.org/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=35&Itemid=60
Pittsburgh Parks Conservancy Daffodil Project:
http://www.pittsburghparks.org/daffodilproject
Westcott Neighborhood Bulb Project, Syracuse, New York:
http://bulbproject.org/