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HomeMy WebLinkAbout02-01-1993 Parks and Recreation Commission AgendaAGENDA SARATOGA PARKS AND RECREATION COMMISSION MEETING TIME: MONDAY, FEBRUARY 1, 1993 - 7:30 P.M. PLACE: SARATOGA SENIOR DAY CARE CENTER 19655 ALLENDALE AVENUE, SARATOGA, CALIFORNIA TYPE: Regular Meeting A G E N D A I. ORGANIZATION A. Roll Call B. Minutes (Meeting of December 7, 1992) C. Posting of Agenda (Agenda was posted on the City Hall Kiosk on January 27, 1993) II. OLD BUSINESS A. Ravenwood Park Update III. NEW BUSINESS A. Carnelian Glen Trail Improvements/Public Meeting B. Consideration of Items for Policy Development Conference Agenda C. Bicycle Advisory Committee IV. COMMISSION AND STAFF REPORTS A. Commission Report on Previous Council Meetings B. Recreation Department Status Report from Joan Pisani V. COMMUNICATIONS A. CPRS Conference - March 11-14 - San Francisco B. Joint Council/Commission Meeting Minutes 1/12/93 1/26/93 M E M O R A N D U M T0: Parks and Recreation Commission FROM: Secretary, Parks and Recreation Commission SUBJECT: MEETING OF MONDAY, FEBRUARY 1, 1993 II.A. RAVENWOOD PARK UPDATE Attached is a Report to Council for their meeting of 2/3/93 prepared by Secretary Trinidad; also a letter from the future neighbors volunteering rough grading for the park. Recommendation: For informational purposes. III.A. CARNELIAN GLEN TRAIL IMPROVEMENTS/PUBLIC MEETING Secretary Trinidad notified 120 people representing the neighborhoods of Carnelian Glen and segments of Douglass Lane of this first meeting regarding the Carnelian Glen Trail. Recommendation: The intent of this meeting is for the Commissioners to glean information on the neighborhood as to their support/ opposition to the improvement of the trail and to decide what standards the trail is to be built to, including width and type of surfacing. III.B. POLICY DEVELOPMENT CONFERENCE INPUT The Commissioners and staff received the attached letter from the Mayor soliciting ideas for Council consideration at their upcoming Policy Development Conference. Recommendation: It is recommended that the Commission generate a list of its ideas. A memo (attached) was received from the Little League requesting creation of a special benefit district which should also be considered as input to the City Council. Meeting Memorandum Page 2 C. BICYCLE ADVISORY COMMITTEE City Council approved the formation of a Bicycle Advisory Committee as recommended by the Public Safety Commission, which will include one member of the Parks & Recreation Commission. Recommendation: The Commissioners are being asked to appoint one member of the Commission to join the Committee. IV. COMMISSION AND STAFF REPORTS A. Monthly Report on Council Meetincts The members attending the previous month's council meetings should be prepared to give a brief presentation to the other Commissioners. B. Recreation Department Status Report Joan Pisani will update the Commissioners on the status of Recreation Department activities for their information. V. COMMUNICATIONS A. CPRS Conference B. Joint Council/Commission Meeting Minutes of 1/12/93 Please let Marlene know if you will b~~na~a'1~ to~a~~nd this meeting. (867-3438 ) // ~ ~/ Trini ad Secret ry mt SARATOGA CITY COUNCIL ~. EXECUTIVE SUMMARY N0. MEETING DATE: February 3, 1993 AGENDA ITEM CITY MGR. ORIGINATING DEPT. Maintenance Department SUBJECT: Ravenwood Park Recommended Motion(s): Move the approval of the Ravenwood Park Master Plan as presented and authorize the preparation of the Improvement Plans for the construction of the Park. Move to direct staff to issue a Purchase Order to Jeffrey Heid in the amount of $600 to assist with Professional Architectural Services, to work with the various volunteers, and to proceed to ~- bidding to construct the park within the current budget. Report Summary: The Parks and Recreation Commission worked with the neighbors for the proposed park and has developed a recommended '- Master Plan. Many of the neighbors have volunteered to perform a variety of th'e~construction tasks. The estimated cost to complete the park exceeds the current budget allocations, however the project can be phased so that a portion can be completed without budget adjustment. Lisa Kurasch has volunteered to complete the Improvement Plans with the assistance of Jeffrey Heid =: Fiscal Impacts: The current year Capital. Improvement Budget includes $25,000 for this project. The completed park is estimated to cost approximately $52,000. The ongoing maintenance cost of the park is estimated at $3000 per year, which can be reduced through volunteer efforts. . Follow Up Actions : 1. Issue Purchase Order to Jeffrey Heid. 2 . Arrange for trees from Bonnet Way. 3. Complete the Improvement Plans. 4. Work with volunteers. 5. Return to Commission and Council for approval of final design and authorization to go to bid. Consequences of Not Acting on the Recommended Motions: Council may find the completion of this park is not needed. The property could be sold and the revenue returned to the General Fund. However, since this neighborhood is generally supportive of the project, a major amount of upset would be generated. _~~ Attachments: Report to Council /`~J ,b\ ~~/ 2 .~S ~' C ~~~ 04~'a~ OO C~~ REPORT TO MAYOR AND CITY COUNCIL DATE: 1/26/93 COUNCIL MEETING: 2/3/93 SUBJECT: RAVENWOOD PARK ------------------------------------------------------------------------ RECOMMENDED ACTION 1. Approve Master Plan as submitted. 2. Authorize the preparation of Impr ovement Plans. 3. Direct Staff to issue a Purchase Order to Jeff Heid in the amount of $600 to assist with Professional Architectural Service s. 4. Direct Staff to work with the various volunteers and to proceed with bidding to construct the park within budget. BACKGROUND The Capital Improvement Budget for the current Fiscal Year includes $25,000 for the improvement of Ravenwood Park. In order to complete these improvements the Parks and Recreation Commission, this past summer, began a process to develop a Master Plan for the Park. To assist in the process of landscape design, Lisa Kurasch volunteered her services.. For $900, we were able to retain Landscape Architect Jeffrey Heid to assist and guide Lisa in the preparation of alternative plans and cost estimates. Input from the residents of the neighborhood was received when the Commission conducted three "work shops" during the months of September, November and December. Notices were sent to all homes located between Quito Road and San Tomas Creek, and between Pollard Road and the Southern Pacific Railroad. Approximately thirty residents attended and provided input. Only one resident in attendance presented somewhat negative input. Additionally, one person wrote a negative comment on their notice and sent it to the City. Except as noted all input received was very positive and a consensus easily developed. Many in attendance volunteered The two adjoining neighbors performed at their expense as same time as the grading for also volunteered their time to needed to complete the park. AATALYS I S to work in the construction process. offered to have the rough grading long as it is accomplished at the their homes. A group of neighbors do much of the actual landscape work The estimated cost to complete the improvements shown on the Master Plan is approximately $52,000 (attached). The neighbors have demonstrated their interest in having the park built both by their attending Commission Meetings and by their volunteering major efforts toward that end. In order to keep the cost within the current budget, the estimate has been broken into phases. The first phase is intended to stay within the $25,000. Later phases can be scheduled when funds are made available through either the Pafk Development Fund or through State Park Grants. The present status of the Park Development Fund is summarized in the December 1, 1992 Memorandum to the Parks and Recreation Commission (attached). This status report does not take into consideration any of the fund being used to reimburse the General Fund for the purchase of the Ravenwood Park Site. Lisa Kurasch has further volunteered to perform the design service for the complete Improvement Plan. We would again propose that we retain Jeffrey Heid to assist Lisa in this endeavor. We estimate that 8 hours of h.is time will be needed at $75 per hour and therefore are requesting authorization to issue a Purchase Order in the amount of $600 for his services. In our continued effort to reduce the improvement costs, staff is hoping to utilize a number of trees which are being removed for the construction of the Bonnet Way sound wall. Although tree planting is not called for in the first phase of development, considering the use of these trees at this time will give us the opportunity to acquire large trees at a much reduced cost. Another cost reducing opportunity will be the use of volunteer efforts towards actual construction. (See attached letters from the two adjacent property owners, Andrew Ajluni and Ted Salah, and the "Ravenwood Park Neighbors"). Although we have not put a dollar amount on these cost reduction efforts at this time, we must proceed quickly to be able to use them to our full advantage. To make sure we are able to take advantage of the grading offer, our needs will be determined early in the final design pr~~cess so that grading can begin as soon as the neighbors want to proceed. In discussing the proposals of the various volunteers we believe that alI offers are made in good faith; however, one caution should be expressed at this time. It must be remembered that a large degree of control is lost when working with volunteer efforts. Schedules and other aspects of coordination often can not be resolved to mutual satisfaction. FINDINGS AND CONCLUSIONS It is our conclusion that Council should proceed with this project as soon as possible and that the cost should be kept within the existing budget. Since funding for this project is of utmost importance, all costs and opportunities for savings must be fully considered and addressed. As part of the final design and cost estimating, the value of the volunteer efforts must be determined so that the maximum improvement is obtained. We suggest that the Improvement Plans be completed so that the work can be phased to expend the $25,000 budget less the cost of professional services ($1500). We further suggest that a couple of "add alternatives" be bid, so that Council has an opportunity to make adjustments at the time the contract is awarded. Attachments RAVENWOOD PARK PLAN A 12/7/92 PRELIrIINARY INSTALLID COST ESTIMATE: PHASE,I Site clearing; for 15,000sf area: rough gracli.ng,4000sf; rough & fine, 7000sf; finish grading, top soil 4000sf lawn area $7,000 Granite fines walk, 1000sf @$1.50; walk, lawn headers 380ft @$2.75 2,545 Fence, 6' wood, 1/2 cost of 380ft @$16 3.040 Play area edge, 170ft 6X8 or RR tie @$5.00; IOyds drain rock base; surfacing, Fibar, 1300sf @$2.60 per 4,400 Irrigation for turf; stubout for other planting areas; elec- trical & water source, drainage 4,800 Drinking fountain supply and stubout 300 Seeded lawn, 4000sf @$.25 per . 1,000 Subtotal $23,085 10~ contingency 2,308 TOTAL Not included: Handicap access sign; rolled curb cut per ADA; mulch- possibly provided by City $25,393 ADDITIONAL PHASES- INSTALLED MA'1'FRT~T C Dry rock stream bed, boulders, drainage $ 1,000 Steps/path to lower area (if handicap accessible, ACpaving) 1,200 Ih'inking fountain-wheelchair accessible 1,200 min. Play equpment 6,000 min. Irrigation for other planting areas,entry lighting 4 000 Trees, (12) 24" box 4,800 Trees, (20+) 15 gal. 2,800 Shrubs, 5 gal. & 1 gal. total ~ 2,700 Groundcover (20) flats ~ 1,000 Additional mulch, planting amendments 800 $26,500 Full Service Maintenance. Inc. UN dba M A I T 172 So. B Suit 4 December 21, 1992 Saratoga Parks Commission 13777 Fruitvale Avenue Saratoga, CA 95070 Re: RavenWOOd Park Dear Commissioners: AL NCE 1ue We could like to volunteer to rough grade the Ravenrood Park site at the same time that re grade our adjacent sites, at no cost to the'City of Saratoga, provided that our grading and the park's grading coincide. We feel fortunate that a neighborhood park is being developed next to our future homes and Me are pleased that we are able to contribute our services to the development of Radenwood Park. If all goes according to plan, Me expect to begin grading. this spring, possibly in March. Please keep this in mind, so that we can coordinate our efforts smoothly. Please call if you have any questions 1408) 371-6555. Sin~~Lrely uni i~/~ Ted Salah Bus: (408) 371-6555 Fax: (408) 371-1 _~ cc: Saratoga City Council Monique S. Drumm December 7,199 Saratoga Parks Commission Saratoga, California 95070 Re: Ravenwood Park -Letter of Intent Dear Commissioners: We, the undersigned, with materials supplied by the City of Saratoga, would like to volunteer our time, labor, and various skills to install the following line items at Ravenwood Park, as shown on the preliminary budget handed out during the November 2,1992 Parks Commission meeting: 1. Granite fines walk, headers 2. Play area edge, surfacing, drain rock. base 3. Seeded lawn 4. Mulch We would also like to make ourselves available to install various items, such as trees, shrubs, and benches. We further request that the funds saved due to our volunteer efforts be applied towards a play structure for Ravenwood Park, which we also volunteer to install. We understand that our efforts will need to be inspected periodically by City officials, and in the case of the play structure, the manufacturer, to insure that these items meet City standards when completed. Some neighbors have expressed an interest in donating money towards items such as: trees, benches, lawn seed, etc., however we need an itemized list to obtain committments. If the Parks Commission has any other ideas for volunteers/donations, we are open to suggestions. We look forward to working together to make Ravenwood Park the best park possible, in spite of our limited funding. Sincerely, Ravenwood Park's Neighbors Monique & Dale Drumm 18395 Montpere Way Allan Strong 18407 Montpere Way Dick Corson 13831 Ravenwood Drive Meg Caldwell & Robert Williams 13906 Ravenwood Drive Donna Abarbanel 18591 Ravenwood Drive Charlie & David Enscore 18291 Montpere Way Jody & Mathew Durket 13891 Raven Court Jim Crotty 13861 Raven Court Elaine & Gary Westendorf 13871 Raven Court Jeff & Eileen Zanardi 13921 Ravenwood Drive Cecelia & Randy Granado 18501 Allendale Avenue Rory Pilkington Ravenwood Drive Kelsey Colson & Steve Maynard 13851 Raven Court December 1, 1992 M E M O R A N D U M T0: Parks & Recreation Commission FROM: Dan Trinidad, Secretary SUBJECT: STATUS OF PARK DEVELOPMENT FIIND The following is taken from the "Treasurer's Report of Fund Balances" dated September 31, 1992. October Fund ' • • 6 30 93 evenue Expense 9/30/92 Park 490,618 8,160 156,962 341,816 Development As of November 30, 1992, we show an additional expense of $16,711 for Beauchamps Park. Additional outstanding incumberance of $67,048 for the following: Beauchamps Park (Collishaw) $46,808 Beauchamps Park (WRT) 1,163 Wildwood Ped. Bridge (Lionsgate) 5,700 Wildwood Ped. Bridge (Engr.) 64 Wildwood Park Stage 13,313 After accounting for these expenses and incumberances, the fund balance is $258,057, not counting any revenue received after October 31 , 1992. Additional projects which are presently shown to be funded from this fund in the "Capital Project Appropriation Estimates" during this 92/93 fiscal year are: Quito Park 945 $ 15,000 Hakone Water System 981 108,500 Hakone Entrance 9103 ~ 50,000 Ravenwood Park 9114 ~ 25,000 Parks & Recreation Commission Status of Park Development Fund Paqe 2 93/94 Fiscal Year Azule Park 30,000 94/95 Fiscal Year Kevin Moran Park 500',000 Azule Park 200,000 While we anticipate continuing revenues to this fund (the City. collects $8,160 per lot at time of development) and a portion of these projects will be funded from State Park Bonds, it is obvious that this fund cannot be looked at as a limitless source of money. mt Full Service Maintenance, Inc. UN dba M A I I~ AL NCE Bus: (408) 371-6555 Fax: (408) 371-1248 172 50. B Suit 4 December 21, 1992 Saratoga Parks. Commission 13777 Fruitvale Avenue Saratoga, CA 95070 Re: Ravenaood Park Dear Commissioners: We could like to volunteer to rough grade the Ravenrood Park site at the same time that we grade our adjacent sites, at no cost to the City of Saratoga, provided that our grading and the park's grading coincide. We feel fortunate that a neighborhood park is being developed next to our future homes and we are pleased that we are able to contribute our services to the development of RavenMOOd Park. If all goes according to plan, we expect to begin grading. this spring, possibly in March. Please keep-this in mind, so that we can coordinate our efforts smoothly. Please call if you have any questions (408) 371-6555. Sin~j~rely ~. uni i6/~ Ted Salah cc: Saratoga City Council Monique S. Drumm ~., ~" CB2s4 os~ ~`~~°~° 2~,000~~ no~3c ~ 13777 FRUITVALE AVENUE SARATOGA, CALIFORNIA 95070 __r,~~, (408) 867-3438 January 20, 1993 Michael and Shelley Nagel 14547 Carnelian. Circle Saratoga, California 95070 Dear Drs. Nagel: Thank you for your letter of January 17 concerning trail development from Carnelian Glen to Douglass Lane. The Parks and Recreation Commission will discuss this matter at their meeting on Monday, February 1, at 7:30 p.m. The meeting will be in the Adult Day Care Center, 19655 Allendale Avenue. You and all members of the public are welcome to attend and express your views. I am sending copies of your letter to the Secretary of the Parks and Recreation Commission and to the City Council so that all will be aware of your concerns. Please let me know if you have any questions. Sincerely, ~. Grace E. Cory Deputy City Clerk cc: City Council Secretary, Parks and Recreation Commission Printed on recycled paper. Michael R. Nagel, M.D. JAN 1 9 1993 14547 Carnelian Circle Saratoga, California 95070 January 17, 1993 Mayor Karen Anderson & Saratoga City Councilmembers 13777 Fruitvale Avenue City Hall Saratoga, CA 95070 Dear Mayor Anderson and Members of the City Council, Re: proposed bike and hiking trail development from Carnelian Glen to Douglass Lane My wife, Shelley Barlas Nagel, Ph.D, and I have lived in Saratoga since 1972 and moved to our current home on Carnelian Circle in 1985 because it offered us the opportunity to escape to a peaceful country like setting. We are both very upset over the possibility of having our tranquility upset by hordes of bikers and hikers who would be trekking past our home, 30 feet away from our bedroom window. We strongly protest the plan to add a 3/4 mile "short cut" for people who are out to get exercise, since it would have not only a negative economic impact on the value of my 1.1 acre property but also deprive me of the serenity which I am now able to enjoy after a hectic 12 to 20 hour work day. Before you proceed with any further discussions of this project, I, as well as all my neighbors, would like an invitation to your meetings, so that we can express our views. I know that you will appreciate the comments of responsible Saratoga residents and taxpayers who take their privacy very seriously, Sincerely, Michael R. Na el M.D. Shelley Barlas Nagel, Ph.D ~'y;.+' . ~G~~,4 ~0~~ 137 ~ ~ FRL'ITVAI.E AVEIVLTE • SARATOG.~. CALIFORIv'Ia 95070 • ~40~ ~ X56; -3-~3~ti COL'ACII. DLE~lI3EHS: Karen Anderson Ann bfane Buroe- January $ , 19 9 3 ~v,nen, Konier Vrctcr bfon~a Karen TucKPr Dear Commission or Committee Member: The City is about to embark on its biannual policy development process which-culminates with the adoption of a new two year budget in June. One of our initial steps for the past half dozen years is to seek your individual and collective ideas, comments, and concerns about the services the City delivers, and any new programs or projects you feel should be undertaken for the betterment of the community. This year Saratoga faces some major challenges. Last October the City Council substantially cut the budget approved only last June. Cuts in personnel, operations and maintenance, capital projects, and specific programs totalling some $571,000 were made from the approved $13.2 million expenditure plan. The cuts were required because the City's share of the 1$ property tax levy was reduced by the State and transferred to the schools. No replacement revenue was provided. This allowed the State to allocate less general fund money to the schools, helping to cut the State budget. Other State su~iventions were also cut, but the property tax shift was by far the most impactful to the City. As far as we know, the tax shiftwis permanent which means the impact will continue to get worse i"h future years. If the State takes away more revenue in 1993, as many are predicting, things will become even worse for Saratoga. Add to this a continuing list of new service mandates from Federal and State agencies, which we do not have the luxury to ignore, and the picture does not look bright. My request to you this year is for ideas about what services and service levels you find to be basic to Saratoga, and if the City were to find it essential to raise fees and/or taxes, which would be most acceptable to you as a resident and taxpayer? The only promise I can make at this time about what the City will do is that your views and opinions will be given serious consideration. Pnntea on recyaeo paper JANUARY 18, 1993 RANDY SCHNEIDER 12560 SARATOGA CREEK DRIVE SARATOGA , CA 95070 (408) 257-5174 CITY OF SARATOGA ATTN: MR. DAN TRINIDAD DIRECTOR, DEPT. OF PARKS AND RECREATION 13777 FRUITVALE AVE. SARATOGA, CA. 95070 RE: CONGRESS SPRINGS PARK--SARATOGA LITTLE LEAGUE DEAR DAN: ITS THAT TIME OF YEAR AGAIN. SARATOGA LITTLE LEAGUE WILL ONCE MORE REQUIRE THE FACILITY AT CONGRESS SPRINGS PARK FROM JANUARY 25 THROUGH AUGUST 1, 1993 FOR OUR 1993 BASEBALL SEASON. WE WILL BE HOSTING AT LEAST ONE ALL-STAR TOURNAMENT OF CHAMPIONS FOR EITHER 9, 10 OR 11 YEAR OLDS AT CONGRESS SPRINGS THIS YEAR. WE HAVE A SPECIAL SAFETY CONCERN ABOUT THE METAL PORTABLE OUTFIELD FENCES. OTHER ISSUES ALSO NEED TO BE ADDRESSED. I WILL CALL TO SET UP AWALK-THROUGH WITH YOU OR BOB RIZZO, SUPERINTENDENT OF MAINTENANCE, AT WHICH TIME WE CAN DISCUSS SPECIFICS. ON ANOTHER POINT, YOU ARE PROBABLY AWARE THAT THE LANDSCAPING AND LIGHTING ACT OF 1972 (STREETS AND HIGHWAYS CODE, § 22500 ET SEQ.) WHICH ALLOWS A CITY TO CREATE A SPECIAL BENEFIT ASSESSMENT DISTRICT TO IMPROVE, LIGHT, AND MAINTAIN PARK AND RECREATIONAL FACILITIES HAS BEEN GIVEN NEW LIFE BY THE RECENT SUPREME COURT OF CALIFORNIA DECISION IN KNOX V. CITY OF ORLAND (1992} 4 CAL.4TH 132. IT IS NOW CLEAR THAT A CITY MAY CREATE A SPECIAL DISTRICT FOR PARK AND RECREATION IMPROVEMENT, LIGHTING, MAINTENANCE, AND SERVICING OF NEW OR EXISTING FACILITIES, AND FUND ALL INVESTMENT IN IMPROVEMENT, MAINTENANCE, AND SERVICING BY A SPECIAL ASSESSMENT ON EACH PARCEL WITHIN THE DISTRICT. THE SPECIAL BENEFIT ASSESSMENTS MAY BE LEVIED WITHOUT THE NECESSITY OF AN ELECTION AND DO NOT CONSTITUTE A SPECIAL TAX. THE SARATOGA LITTLE LEAGUE BOARD, SARATOGA AYSO BOARD, THE SUPERINTENDENTS AND BOARDS OF BOTH THE LOS GATOS-SARATOGA JT. UNION HIGH SCHOOL AND SARATOGA UNION..: SCHOOL.DISTRICTS AND EVERY HOMEOWNERS ASSOCIATION WOULD NO DOUBT SUPPORT THE CREATION OF SUCH A DISTRICT.. WHO IN SARATOGA WOULD.. NOT WANT DRAMATICALLY EXPANDED AND IMPROVED, WELL MAINTAINED, SECURE AND SAFE, WELL LIGHTED PARK AND RECREATION FACILITIES FOR SENIORS, ADULTS AND YOUNGSTERS WITH A STABLE FUNDING MECHANISM? THE SARATOGA LITTLE LEAGUE BOARD UNANIMOUSLY VOTED TO APPROACH YOU, HARRY PEACOCK, AND THE COUNCIL AND OTHER INTERESTED PARTIES ABOUT THE CREATION OF SUCH A SPECIAL BENEFIT DISTRICT. THIS LETTER IS OUR FIRST CONTACT WITH THE CITY ON THIS ISSUE. REPRESENTATIVES OF OUR BOARD WOULD BE MOST GLAD TO MEET WITH ANY CITY OFFICIAL OR EMPLOYEE TO FURTHER DISCUSS AND IMPLEMENT THESE IDEAS. THANK YOU FOR YOUR CONTINUING SUPPORT FOR OUR LITTLE LEAGUE PROGRAM. WE EXPERIENCED A SUCCESSFUL YEAR IN 1992, AND ARE LOOKING FORWARD TO AN EVEN BETTER 1993. IF YOU HAVE ANY QUESTIONS, PLEASE CALL ME. IF I'M NOT AVAILABLE THEN CONTACT OUR LITTLE LEAGUE PRESIDENT, TOM BARNUM (741-0689). SINCERELY, RANDY SCH EIDER, VICE PRESIDENT, SARATOGA LITTLE LEAGUE C-CE~G` ~~ ~~`'- ~G~ ~~~ O~ ~ ~ D e ~0~~ 13777 FRUITVALE AVENUE . SARATOGA, CALIFORNIA 95O7O 1408) 867-3438 COUNCIL MEMBERS: Karen Anderson Martha Clevenger Wrllem Kohler v,ctor Monra Francrs Stu Oman January 22, 1993 To: Parks and Recreation Commission Planning Commission Public Safety Commission From: City Clerk Subject: Referral from City Council - Bicycle Advisory Committee At its meeting of January 20, the City Council approved the Public Safety Commission's recommendation to establish a Bicycle Advisory Committee. The Committee will be chaired by a member of the Public Safety Commission. The other Committee members will be: a member of the Planning Commission; a member of the Parks and Recreation Commission; and two Saratoga citizens chosen by the other three members. Further details are explained in the attached report from the Public Safety Commission dated January 20. Please discuss this matter atyouur next meeting. The Council would like a written report on your appointments for its meeting of February 17. ~. J Harry Peacock Printetl on recycletl paper. ~~ Cc;B~ op~° ~°~~ oOC~~ 13777 FRUITVALE AVENUE • SARATOGA, CALIFORNIA 95070 • (408) 867-3438 COUNCIL MEMBERS: Karen ArKierwn Ann Mane Burger Willem Kohler Date: January 20, 1993 vitro-Monia Karen Tucker To: City Council From: Public Safety Commission Subject: Recommendation to Adopt a Bicycle Lane Network and Establish a Bicycle Advisory Committee In March 1992 the Public Safety Commission was asked to look into the City's policy of allowing parking in bike lanes. Commissioner Ken Johnson undertook a study of the legal requirements, history, and current status of bike lanes in the City. The Commission reported to the Council in August 1992 with recommendations regarding the regulation of parking in bike lanes. At that time, the Council further directed the Commission to continue their study, map the existing bike lanes, and make specific recommendations regarding parking regulations. In conjunction with this project; staff also asked the Commission to assist in the development of a Bicycle Master Plan, which would become part of the update of the Circulation Element of the General Plan. Grant funds from several sources are available within the state for appropriate capital projects to build bicycle facilities; However, to be eligible for funds the City needs to have a detailed bicycle plan, and a Bicycle Advisory Committee. Many of the City's existing bike lanes ,are includedrin the proposed Network. In response to both of these assignments, the Commission is recommending the following action: -: 1) The City of Saratoga shall adopt a Bicycle Lane Network on arterial streets (as described in the attached December 14 memorandum) as a goal for implementation to be included in the Circulation Element of the General Plan. Printetl on recycletl paper. 2) The City will establish a Bicycle Advisory Committee (BAC) as a sub-committee of the Public Safety Commission to review and/or prioritized bicycle projects and to participate in the development and review of comprehensive bicycle plans. The Saratoga BAC would be composed of at least three members who live or work in the City, and they will be appointed by the City Council. It is suggested that the BAC be chaired by a member of the Public Safety Commission, and the remainder of _ the committee be composed of bicyclists/ pedestrians, including youths. 3) The first issue to be addressed by the Bicycle Advisory Committee is regulation of parking in bike lanes. Ca olyn K nq Assistant to the City Manager CBK:mc Attachments: 1. December 14, 1992 Recommendation from Public Safety Commission 2. November 16, 1992 Memo to Public Safety Commission 3. June 24, 1992, Memo to Public Safety Commission (submitted to City Council August, 1992) r' Printed on recycletl paper. The following lotion was passed unanisously by the Public Safety Couission Deceaber ib, 1992 PART 1. I. Be it resolved that the City of Saratoga adopt the Bicycle Lane Network described below as a goal for implementation. II. NETWORK DESCRIPTION. The following roadways shall have a one way bike lane established on each side. A. North/South running roadways. 1. QUITO RD. Prom SARATOGA AVE. to POLLARD RD. 2. FRUITVALE AVE. Prom SARATOGA AVE. to SARATOGA/LOS GATOS RD. 3. SARATOGA/SUNNYVALE RD. from PROSPECT RD. to BIG BASIN WAY. B. East/West running roadways. 1. PROSPECT RD. from STEELING RD. to LAWRENCE EXPRESSWAY. 2. COX AVE. Prom SARATOGA/SUNNYVALE RD. to QUITO RD. 3. HERRIMAN AVE. from SUNNYVALE/SARATOGA RD. TO SARATOGA RVE. 4. ALLENDALE AVE. from FRUITVALE AVE. to QUITO RD. C. Diagonally running~•roadways. i. LAWRENCE EXPRESSWAY from PROSPECT RD. to SARATOGA AVE. 2. SARATOGA AVE. from QUITO RD. to BIG BASIN WAY. 3. SARATOGA/LOS GATOS RD. from BIG BASIN WAY to the city limit. III. MARKINGS. All markings shall be made in accordance with current roadway marking rules and regulations. A. Paint. All bike lanes will be one way, with painted striping on paved roadway. The words "HIRE LANE" and directional arrows will be periodically painted on the roadway. B. Signage. i. All bike lanes will with signs. 2. Automobile parking regulated by signs. be indicated periodically in all bike lanes will be IV. DEDICATED AUTOMOBILE PARKING. If roadway width permits, a space adjacent to curbing will be dedicated to automobile parking and the bike lane will be immediately to the left of this space. If the roadway width is insufficient to permit both a bike lane and dedicated automobile parking, then the bike lane will be adjacent to the curb. V. JURISDICTIONAL COOPERATION. City staff will coordinate implementation of this plan with ndjacent communities where roadways are shared. If a conflict arises between this plan and county or state statutes, then the county or state statute shall prevail. VI. RECISION. All preexistent markings not incorporable into this plan shall be removed. PART 2. I. Also be it resolved that the City of Saratoga shall establish a Bicycle Advisory Committee (BAC) to review and/or prioritize bicycle projects and to participate in the development and review of comprehensive bicycle plans. II. COMMITTEE COMPOSITION. The Saratoga BAC shall be composed of at least 3 members who live or work in the city. The Chairperson shall also be a member of the Public Safety Commission. They will be appointed by the City Council. The City Manager will dearignate staff to provide administrative and technical support to the Committee. The intent is that BACs be composed of bicyclists/pedestrians. PART 3. I. INITIAL TASK. The initial task of the BAC shall be to advise where vehicle parking shall be regulated. n Jan. 12, 1993 BIKE LANE STATIIS ($ Sst.) Roadway* Posted Posted Adequate Paint Lane Parking Width Striped Signage Signage** Roadway Al Quito 50 40 30 55 AZ Fruitvale 10 0 30 55 A3 Stg/Sv 100 100 100 98 B1 Prospect 80 80 80 100 B2 Cox 75 75 0 100 B3 Herriman 100 100 30 100 B4 Allendale 0 0 80 95 C1 Lawrence 0 0 0 100 C2 Saratoga 67 67 10 100 C3 Stg/L.G. 0 _ 0 1 100 i * Alpha numeric identification taken from PSC Motion 12/14/92 Part 1. Paragraph II. Network Description 1. No bi]Ge lane Sv/Stg to Stelling either side of street. F ** or Dedicated Parking Lane F To: Public Safety Commission Date: 16 Nov. 1992 From : Kenneth L . Johnson ~~, ~. ~. Subject: Bicyle Advisory Comm tee (BAC) The State Transportation and Development Act, Article 3, Pedestrian/Bicycle Projects Procedures and Project Evaluation Criteria, were established in 1980 and revised 5 times thereafter. As a part of this legislation, a nine-county Metropolitan Transportation Commission (MTC) Region was established for the SanFranciaco Bay Area. Each county has a coordinator. The coordinator for Santa Clara County is Arthur Devincenzi. Along with the TDA are State Transportation Control Measures (STCMa) which I take to be of lesser stature. STCM #9 requires cities and counties to have BACs and adopted comprehensive bicycle plans to be eligible for TDA Article 3 funding beginning with the FY 1993-1994 funding cycle. In June 1990, California voters approved Proposition 116 which includes $20 million in funding for local grants Por capital projects that improve safety and convenience for bicycle commuters. The grants are to be administered by the California Transportation Commission (probable source of STCMs) which has recently drafted guidelines establishing criteria for the Bicycle Program. According to these guidelines, a bicycle commuter is defined as a person making trips to work, school, shopping and other activity centers rather than for exercise or pleasure. In addition, Caltrans has agreed to apply for $4.5 million of Federal highway a1d for independent bicycle projects annually. These funds require no state match. A portion of the money will be spent on projects for state highways and another part will be put into the Bicycle Lane Account where it should be available for local aid. Funding sources include Proposition 116, Federal programs, State Bike Lane Account, Transportation Development Act (TDA) Article 3. The Transportation Development Act (TDA), Public Utilities Code Sections 99233.3 and 99234, makes funds available in the nine-county Metropolitan Transportation Commission (MTC) Region for pedestrian/bicycle purposes. MTC makes annual allocation of TDA Article 3 funds to eligible claimants after review of applications submitted by claimants. The key to successful application for funds is the existence of a detailed bicycle circulation element or plan included in a general plan or an adopted comprehensive bikeway plan (such as outlined in Seotion 2377 of the California Bikeways Act, Streets and Highways Code Sec. 2370 et seq.) Each city over 10,000 population shall establish a Bicycle Advisory Committee (BAC) to review and/or prioritize bicycle projects and to participate in the development and review of comprehensive bicycle plans. (BACs are mandated by State Transportation Control Measure #9 adopted by MTC 28 November 1990.) A city BAC shall be composed of at least 3 members who live or work in the city. They will be appointed by the City Council. The City Manager will designate staff to provide administrative and technical support to the Committee. The intent is that BACs be composed of bicyclists/pedestrians. The main consideration for us beyond recommendation to establish such a committee is whether it should report to°us, or directly to City Council. June 24, 1992 To: Public Safety Commission From: Kenneth L. Johnson ~~ . r Subj: Policy For Parking in B' Lanes AaSicnm2nt. From the joint Covncili Commission meeting 10 Mar 1992. Monia asked for feedback from Commission - what should the policy be overall of parking in Bike Lanes. P.ecommended a ct i on . r'~ ~~ 1. Parking should be in "Bike Lanes". ~. "Bike Lane" parking n~ ~``~°"~"" s should be posted frequently on signs along "Bike Lanes". 3. where parking cannot be r ~~ all indications of a "Bike Lane" including striping and signing should be removed. ~. "Hike Roues" should not have a painted stripe on the roadway. ADDlicable ~tatLto4_ Bicycle lanes on local roads may be established by local authorities cPresumably, establishment of bicycle lanes on state and county highways require approval by those agencies). cDMV Code Sec. 21207). Operation of motor vehicles in a bicycle lane are prohibited except for: 1. To park where parking is permitted. 2. To enter of leave the roadway. 3. To prepare for a turn within a distance of 200 feet from the intersection. Note: There< are some 'mitigating circumstances allowing Mopeds in bicycle lanes.cDMV Code Sec. 21209) Bike Lanes, Bike Paths, Bike Trails, and Hike Routes are different terms applied to facilities provided Y primarily for bicycle travel. All of these facilities are included in the term "Bikeway°, The principal definitions of concern are: ~. eike Lane - A paint striped and signed lane set aside on a public street separate from motor vehicle lanes. Parking may be prohibited within its boundaries. ~. Bike Path or Trail - A completely separated right of way designated for the exclusive use of bicycles and pedestrians with crossflows by motorists minimised. It is usually improved with asphalt or concrete. The separation ideally consists of a Landscaped buffer along the shoulder of the road. 3. Bike Route - A right-of-way designated by signs or permanent markings and. shared with pedestrians or motorists. tStreets and Highways Code Sec. X373) Local authorities are permitted to regulate stopping, standing, or parking of vehicles on local, state, or county highways provided county and state approval is obtained tDMV Code Sec. 22506). Saratoga City Code 9-60.050 incorporates all the provisions discussed above, but is silent on the policy of parking in bicycle lanes leaving the issue up to the City Council. other than the Legislative intent expressed in the streets -and Highways Code Section 2371 no stated policy exists. Section 2371 Legislative intent It is the intent of the Legislature in enacting this chapter to establish a bicycle transit system, it is the further intent of the Legislature that this transit system shall be designed anti developed 'to achieve the functional commuting needs of the employee, student, businessman, and shopper as the foremost consideration in route selection, to have the physical safety of the bicyclist and bicyclist's property as a major have the capacity to ages and skills. Dis~~~ssion. planning component, and t~ accommodate bicyclists of all Clearly, parking a motor vehicle in a Bike Lane does not contribute to a bicyclist's safety. This safety concern has to be balanced with the desires of businessmen and homeowners who have a Bike Lane passing in front of their property. The Public works Department of Saratoga conducted a Feasibility Study for the Incorporation of a "Demonstration Bicycle Route System" into the city transportation network. The study was published 9 May 197. On 3 Oct 1973, a Mayor'S select committee reviewed the "Demonstration Bicycle Route System". Their recommendations were apparently accepted by the City Council, and the resulting system forms the basis of what exists today. No major review of the system has been conducted since then. Minor changes have been made from time to time as changes to roadways have occurred. For example, Highway 85 has been expanded to ~ lanes throughout its full length. The Mayors Select Committee agonised over the issue of parking in Bike Lanes. There was no policy then, nor is there now, on how to.regulate parking in Bike Lanes. The parking problem only concerns Bike Lanes, because Bike Trails or Paths are not amenable to parking, and Bike Routes permit parking. The purpose of a Bike Lane is to provide a bicyclist a sense of security from an aggressive stream of motorists. when a biker confronts a parked car in a Hike Lane, he usually pulls out into the car lane, a potentially dangerous situation. Hike Lanes'~aren't needEd in the neighborhoods, because there aren't so many motorists, and those that are there are not as aggressive. Kids grow up riding bikes in the neighborhoods with courteous motorists giving them wide sway. Eventually our kids graduate from the neighborhoods to the Boulevards. Motorists are less courteous for several reasons; speed picks up, traffic density increases, maneuvering room vanishes either because of double yellow centerlines or multiple car lanes full of traffic, and lastly they are farther from home. This is where Hike Lanes are most helpful. If our kids have been taught to associate Hike Lanes with security, then parking should be prohibited. If home owner or business pressures are so great that parking cannot be prohibited, then don't institute Bike Lanes. Dent lul l the kids into some false sense of security. A better way would be to have no Bike Lane at all thereby alerting the bicyclist to be extra careful. Changing from a Bike Lane to a Bike Route ducks the parking problem, but it makes the situation worse than nothing at all. Bike Route s~ignage conveys minimum information. it tells the cyclist that this is probably the best csmoothest, easiest way to proceed from point A to point B. if left over lane striping eXlstS on the roadway, the cyclist may make a false conclusion that parking is under some kind of prohibition. If so, he may be in for a rude awakening. Clearly, there is a lot of "heat" associated with parking restrictions in front of homes or businesses. In some cases, parking hours can be established. when bicycle traffic is nil, cars could park. City staff could easily ascertain an equitable time share by conducting motor and bicycle vehicle traffic counts over a ~ day period. Confusion exists over just what a Bike Lane is. I didn't understand it myself untfl I became involved in this task. I doubt if many of our children understand all the nuances involved. Saratoga's Bikeway system has different markings applied along the same Bikeway. Little wonder that most citizens are confused. The system should be consistent and simple. if you want to knows what an ideal system is, just look at the Saratoga side of Prospect Avenue. MINxtTEB $l1RA,TOGA CITY COURCIL 3'IMB: Tuesday, January 12, 1993 - 7:30 p.m. pLACS: Administration Meeting Roam, 13777 Fruitvale Ave. TYPa: Adjoined Regular Meeting 1. Roll Lail Councilmembers Burger, Monia, Tucker and ldayar Anderson were present: Gounoilmember itohler was absent. commissioners Present:. Barnard, Clark, Crotty, Dutra, Miller, Pierce, Swan Staff Present: Pisani, Rizzo, Trinidad Z. Repast o! Clay Clsrlt on gostinq of Agea4a Pursuant to Government Code 54954.2, the agenda tar this meeting was properly posted on January 8. The notice of adjournment from the January 6 Council meeting was properly posted on January 7. 3. $tatns Report - Raveaeaod park Commission Chairman swan reported to Council on the status of the Ravenwood Park Master Plan. Swan called upon Lisa Aurasch to give an overview of the Park's Master Plan. Mayor Anderson recognized Lisa for her outstanding volunteer effort in designing the Park. Co~missioner Crafty reported arc the neighborhood volunteer effort to help construct certain portions of .the Park such as walkway, seeding of turf, etc. Swan reported that the complete Master Plan will be presented to Gity Council at their February 3rd meeting. Commission Secretary Trinidad reviewed the proposal made by the adjoining two neighbors to volunteer the rough grading for the parksite. Council agr$ed that the approval process should be speeded ug to take advantage at the.neighbors' proposal. 4. carrsatioa to Trails raster plan aonoerainq areekside trails in aoaordanos pith Reso3,ntiaA 9169 S. Carnelian Glen Trail. Items 4. and 5. were discussed together. Commission Chairman swan reported and explained to Council that when the City Council approved the city-wide Trails Master Plan on July 17, 1991, the consultant, Wallace,.ROberts and Todd believed that it was Council's determination to eliminate all trails which would run along creeks. Several weeks later on Qctober 16, 1991, Council clarified its position by adopting Resolution 9i-69 which only eliminated Chase along Saratoga and f4iideat Creeks in the flat and built-up portion of the City. Unfortunately, the consultant finalized the plan documents before Resolution 9i-69 was adopted and eliminated all creekside trails from the Plan. The current Master Plan omits Segment 35 ~ Carnelian G1¢n Trail. The Commission would like to begin implementing the Trails Master Plan by doing work on the Garnelian Glen Trail. This trail connects Garnelian Glen Drive to nauglass Lane. The comxi~isaion could begin the process by conducting a worfcsihop session with the neighborhood. After sums discussion, Council approved the Commission's commencing with the Trails public hearing and neighborhood workshop. City Council Minutes 2 JaAUary xz. 1993• Mayor Anderson discussed a program to adapt a trail or creek segment through the Water District. 6. Sta!liag lfes4e for echoes/Cite Facility II9es r,/ Swan reported on the overall increases this past year in the Recreation Department. Councilmembar Monia commended the Recreation Department for the way it has added programs and filled a Head Within the Community. Joan Pisani reported on the current status of the winter Recreation Services program, noting the cooperation between the School District Arid the Recreation Department for special programs. Joan gave several examples of classes and sports leagues which have been added. Swan informed Cquricil that, due to increased levels of service, staff will be requesting an additio:7a1 Recreation supervisor position in Fiscal Year 93/94. 7. IIrerth o! Parf~s sad Recreation Depariaaeat - Impact on 7sair-t~aaaoe Swan xeparted to Council an the anticipated increase in the Park Maintenance service levels with the additional landscape areas coming on-line in Fiscal Year 93/94 {$eauohamps Park, Warner Hutton House Landscaping, Ravenwpod Park and additional median strips). Additional staff will ba needed to handle the increased activities iri order to maintain them at the desired service levels. 8. ~ toxtacii prioritie* for Parks sad Reoreatioa Commission and gny Directions !or IIpoomiAg Year Swan discussed dedications of the wildwood Pack Bridge and Beauehamps Park. rtonia suggepted that there be two dedications - ane in April and or:e in May, and that they take place on weekends. ~ 7'he Commission will establish specific dates at its next meatir~g. Swart discussed the concerns of on-street parking at E1 Quito Park during softball season. Dan ihformad Council that the issue was raised at the Public safety commission Meeting. Swan requested that this issue be given to the Commission for its review. Ifayor Anderson grid Councilmember Honia again requested that the Commission .investigate the adopt-a-trail/creek program for the City. Mayor Anderson asked that the City work with the Water District on the. adopt-a-creek program. A].so, staff should discuss cleaning of the creek with the Santa Clara valley Water District. Barnard agreed fully and asked if it was Council's desire that the Commission be responsible for coordinating the cleanup of the creeks with the Santa Clara valley Water District. Burger discussed the difference between cleanup and beautification. The Council and Commission agreed that general cleanup of trash along the creeks needed to be addzessed. Councilmember Monia said that Seauchamps and Ravenwood Parks should be completed in the naming year. 9. Adjournment The meeting was ad3ourned at 9:13 pm. Respectfully submitted, Dan Trinidad, Secretaxy ..~ parks & Recreation Commission December 18, 1992 M E M O R A N D U M TO: PARKS & RECREATION COMMISSIONE FROM: SECRETARY, DAN TRINIDAD SUBJECT: JANUARY 1993 MEETING Since it was decided to discuss items such as the Carnelian Glen Trail at the joint Council/Commission meeting prior to placing them on the Commission agenda, we will be cancelling the January meeting due to a lack of items. Please call Dan or Marlene after the first of January to indicate which days you would like to attend the CPRS Conference. We are attempting to let everyone attend while paying as few fees as possible. Merry Christmas and Happy New Year! mt