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HomeMy WebLinkAbout03-18-1974 Parks and Recreation Commission Minutes.. • • PARKS AND RECREATION COMMISSION MINUTES r DATE: Monday, riarch 18, 1974 - 7:30 P.M. PLACE: Crisp Memorial Conference Room, Saratoga City Offices, 13777 Fruitvale Avenue, Saratoga, Calif. 95070 TYPE: Regular Meeting I. ORGANIZATION A. ROLL CALL PRESENT: Commissioners Buchanan, Clawson, Gordon, Rose Terry and Zambetti ABSENT: Commissioners Leong and Wilberding. GUESTS: Mr. Dever. B. MINUTES The Minutes of the March 18, 1974 meeting were approved as submitted. II. OLD BUSIr~ESS A. BROOKGLEN PARK BROOKGLEAT PARK - DISCUSSION WITH ARCHITECT JACK BUKTENICA The Secretary introduced Mr. Jack Buktenica, who has been hired to do the architectual work for Brookglen Park. Mr. Buktenica had several questions for the_ Commission ~ regarding the park site. They are: 1. How seriously is enlargement of the park being considered? 2. What is the status of the dirt mound at the back of the park? 3. How should the creek fit into the park? 4. What is the status of tY~e easement behind the property? The Commission felt that enlargement of the park is not an immediate concern, but that if the adjoining Cox property became available, it would be considered. They would not consider the property across the street because of the safety problem this would cause. Future enlargement is dependent on the residents desires.. The dirt mound is the result of an attempt to grade the site in order to plant grass while development is being considered. Although the mound is technically off. the park property, the Secretary felt that .the owner would allow the City~to use the di:^t . -1- __ ~~'~1; t'-.. • PARKS AND RECREATION COMTZISSION - MARCH 18, 19'74 - MINUTES - continued ~ROOKGLEN The easement behind the site is used b9 the tennis club. The Secretary will find out whether this is strictly a private ease- ment for the club. Safety and City liability are the main concerns regarding the creek. The Commission would like it to be included as an asset to the park and made two suggestions. One would be to put a low fence along the creek with only one opening which would have to be watched. Another would be to enclose the tot play area to reduce the area which would need to be watched by mothers. Commissioner Terry also suggested that a mound in the park would make the creek more visible. Commissioner Rose felt that older children should be considered in the design since this group may soon be the majority of the youth population in the area. She suggested a basketball court or skating area be considered. The Commission would like to get the community involved in this project. Since play egl~ipment will probably not be in the first phase of development, they might help buy and install some. The Secretary s~aggested that single families might be able to buy a plant anti reduce the cost of landscaping. The City could then buy the play equipment, which will be a major expense. Mr. Buktenica also asked if the City feels responsible for buffering along the boundaries. The Commission. feels that this is definately-a City responsibility, but that the landscaping along the Cox property should be desig~ied so that it could be easily .removed if the park is expanded. The Secretary outlined"the following tentative schedule for development of the plans: April 1 - First presentation to Commission April 15 - Second presentation to Commission April 29 - Presentation to residents B. PLANNING COTr:IviISSION REQUr'~T The Secretary reported that a Citizens' Committee to work on trails and pathways is being considered, and asked if the Commission would like to postpone their meeting with the Planning Commission. Commissioner Terry felt that trails and pathways should be discussed with the City Council first in order to determine exactly what this Commission is expected to contribute with regards to development of a plan. Commissioner Zambetti felt that !,a trails and pathways plan could be developed within this Commission with the help of a consultant. Commissioner Rose "is in favor of a Citizens' Committee because both sides of the issue can be represented and differences worked out. Commissioner Rose moved and Commissioner Terry seconded that the meeting with the Flanning Commission b~ postponed ~.zntil a decision has been made concerning a Citizens' Committee for Trails and Pathways development. The motion was passed unanimously. Commissioner Rose moved that a meeting be requested with the Ci~~y Council primarily to discuss trails and pathways and to bring th~~ Council up to date on Commission activities. Commissioner Te: ~x~y seconded, and the motion was passed unanim.~usly. -2- .. ~ , ," . ~ ';~ ~, • PARgS AND RECREATION COMMISSION - MARCH 18, 1974 - MINUTES - continued C. HAKONE GARDEN REt~IEW The Secretary reported that a termite inspection has been AKONE requested for the buildings at Hakone Garden. sARDEN • -- Commissioner Rose reported that the Hakone GardAr Review Committee met with Tanso Ishihara at the Garden and several repairs that need attention were pointed. out; 1. Glean fish pond and fix the drainage system; 2. The upper path by the arbor is eroding and the steps need repair. The Secretary said that the Parks Department will be cleaning the fish pond soon. The Commission would like to add several citizens to the review ` committee in order to know what has been done in the past. Commissioner Rose suggested Rene Jones and former mayor Robbins Mr. Beyer said he would get copies of the minutes of previous meetings about~Hakone Garden development. He also suggested Leeds Gulick for the review committee. Commissioner Zambetti asked about access to the additional 14 acres which have been considered. . Mr. Dever sa3.d that access is possible from Jacks Road and Bohlman Road, but that the Jacks Road access is presently in dispute. -- Commissioner Zambetti asked about the possibility of federal funding for development. The Secretary said that State Beach, Park, Recreational and Historical Facilities Bond Act of 1974 or Land and Water Conservation Act monies could concern Hakone Garden. The problem is that usually projects must be completely necv in order to meet the requirements. From his experience with band and dater Conservatior. Act funding, Mr. Beyer does not feel Hakone Garden would qualify. Vice--£hair~an ??ese asked that this iter.~ be reagendized. il:. ~ NEoti' BITSINESS . A. STATE BEACH, PARK, RECREATIONAL AND HISTORICAL FACILITIES BOND ACT OF 1974 ', The Secretary said that if this bond act is passed in June, the City of Saratoga's share would be $71,000. It has been suggested that only one nro~®ct be submittel for this money... This project must have already been established; being a part of the Capital Improvement Program covers this requirement. The Commission felt that Congress Strings Park development would have the most community appeal. They asked that the Secretary find out if the legal problems with acquiring the Stamper property could jeopardize the project if it were submitted. -3- u;~ 4 • PARKS AND RECREATION COMMISSION - MARCH 18, 1974 - T~ZINUTES - continued B. SDR-1100-- A. R. WOOLWORTH - BRANDYWIND AND~APOLi~O There is no master plan trail through this property. The Commission recommended that the 2C-foot Flood Control easement be required. C. SD-1101 - AVCO• - WE_ST_ VALLEY FREEWAY RIGHT-OF- WAY The Commission felt that an easement to provide a trail between Kevin F~oran and Congress Springs Park should be required. Commissioner Rose moved that a 15-foot easement allowing access between Kevin Morar. and Congress Springs Park be rec~mmerided as a requirement of development as specified in the New General Plan. Commissioner Zambetti seconded the motion, and it was passed unanimously. IV. COIfriITTEE AND STAFF REPORTS A. COMMITTEE REPORTS Commissioner Rose said that the City Council public hearing regarding the bicycle route will be March 20th and asked that Commissioner's attend if pOSSl.ble. Commissioner Terry said that the question of liability on these paths should be determined to protect both the City and property owners. B. STAFF REPORTS The Secretary reported that the City Council will be meeting in Executive Session to discuss appointments to the Farks and Recreation Commission. V. COMMUPdICATIONS A. WRITTEN B. ORAL IY. ADJOURNtTENT . There being no further business before the Commission, the meeting was adjourned at 10:45 P.M. ' Respectfully submitted, ~~~~ ~~~ Barbara Sampson, Secretary mm ~. -4- _._ . _ '"~