HomeMy WebLinkAbout09-17-1973 Parks and Recreation Commission Minutesr
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MINUTES
SARATOGA PARKS AND RECREATION COMMISSION
DATE: Monday, September 17, 1973 - 7:30 P. M.
PLACE: Crisp Memorial Conference Room, Saratoga City Offices, 13777 Fruitvale Ave.
Saratoga, Calif. 95070
TYPE: Regular Meeting
I. ORGANIZATION
A. ROLL CALL
Present: 'Commissioners Clawson, Gordon, Johnston, Marovich, Rose~Terry, Wilberding
and Zambetti.
Absent: None
Guests: Cob, Ernest Banco, Mr. & Mrs. H. F. Whitehead, and Mr. Boyde Pulley.
B. MINUTES
The Minutes of the August 20, 1973 meeting of the Commission were approved as
submitted..
Mr. Beyer introduced to the Commission Miss tsarbara Sampson, who will fill the
position of Director of Community Services.
II. OLD BUSINESS
A. CONSIDERATION OF REFERRAL FROM CITY COUNCIL RE: RELOCATION OF A TEN (10)
FOOT WIDE PEDESTRIAN - EQUESTRIAN EASEMENT ON THE SOUTHERN PROPERTY LINE
OF THE LATTER DAY SAINTS PROPERTY ON ALLENDALE AVE. (CON'T FROM 8;20/73)
Mr. Beyer reported that an additional 315 lineal feet of land would need to be
acquired if the modified trail (a combination of Alternates I and II) suggested
at the last meeting is developed. The cost of this additional land would be
$1,500, based on the price of $20,000/acre.
Mr. Beyer said that the Latter Day Saints Church had been contacted regarding
this trail, and that they seemed to be in favor of running it along the present
Sanitation District~~~4 easement. This has not been considered a viable alterna- ,
tive because the majority of it is located on the land of Col. Barco, who is
strongly opposed to the trail.
Mr. Boyde Pulley, a representative of the Latter Day Saints Church, stated that
he is against the horse trail because of the pollution that would be created.
He does not feel this is a suitable location for a horse trail because the creek
is ten feet wide and deep. He asked what kind ofcontrol would be used to keep
out mofiorc~cl~~s and vandals because he sees this as a major problem cahen a trail
is located at the rear o~ a property. He feels personally, that property owners
are being asked to contribute ::.ore than their share in easements and tales.
Commissioner Zambetti mentioned that one possible means of controling a horse
trail would be to install a series of gates to discourage motorcycles. He feel
that as the horse population grows, and horses are used more and more as a
leisure form of transportation, the time may come when the City will 'consider
hi r+ r+~ a mn+.lnYo~1 nt~? ~ f`Pn?an. t a patrol the equestrian trails.
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SARATOGA PARKS AND RECREATION COMMISSION - MINiJTES - SEPTEMBER 17 1973 - continued
Mr. Beyer agreed that it might be well to postpone action on this problem, and
allow time to review the entire trails and pathways system. He added that the
City has not yet implemented an equestrian trail system, and that problems in
dealing with maintenance and policing need to be considered, expecially since
equestrian trails will not generally be near the streets. Mr. Pulley felt that
in conjunction with this review, a timetable of future expenditures for implement-
ing the system should be drawn up.
The Commission felt strongly that more community involvement is necessary in
order to avoid the situations which arise when property owners are not aware
of the location of easements and trails. Mr. Beyer suggested that the Commission
set aside one meeting to talk only about trails and pathways, and ask for
community input as a part of their preparation for the General Plan review
recommendations to the Council. He said that trails and pathways are being
treated as an individual section of the Circulation Element so that it can
be reviewed separately.
Chairman Wilberding asked what the Commission's calendar should be for getting
their recommendations to the Council. Mr. Beyer answered that the Planning
Commission will be holding a special meeting once a month for the next three or
four months to discuss the various elements. The Circulation Element will be
coming up for discussion within the next month, so the Commission should plan
on holding discussions soon.
In the event the City did decide the most suitable location for this trail is
along Col. Barco's property, Commissioner Rose asked what the City's policy is
regarding condemnation of property for trail purposes, as she understands there
is some confusion about the interpretation of the State law regarding this.
Mr. Beyer was not sure of the current policy, but said he would report back to
the Commission next time.
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Mr. Pulley stated that the Latter Day Saints have planned to do some landscaping
along the creek, and wdndered what effect this trail would have on those plans.
Commissioner Terry offered to meet with the churcYr representatives and walk along
the proposed trail to show them exactly where it is located. Mr. Pulley will
contact Commissioner Terry and set up this meeting.
Col. Barco said that his neighbors, the Spillanes, were opposed to the Sewer
easement, and strongly oppose this trail. It extends along their property, and
Col. Barco said that the bank there is extremely steep and would require an
additional bridge, if a trail is possible at all. The alternatives would be
to run it across the Henry or Kosich property. He mentioned that the street
located in his subdivision includes a pedestrian easement and feels this is
sufficient. •
Commissioner Terry moved that the recommendation regarding this trail be postponed
until the Commission_has gathered additional information. Commissioner Zambetti
seconded the motion, and it was passed unanimously.
B. REPORT ON SITES L1 THE CITY WHERE THERE IS AN APi'ARENT NEED FOR A PARK ( CON'T
FROM 8/20/73)
Area 9 was the remaining portion of this report to be discussed by the Commission.
The Commission expressed some concern about the possibility of the Congress Springs
(Saratoga Springs) site being developed in the near future, but because of its
proximity to the San Andreas Fault, it is .doubtful it is suitable for anything but,
the present use.
The view point on hillside ('.=4) was identified as the hill at the end of Comer Drive.
This is a possible stopping point fora trail. The C ommission would •like the
exact location determined, and the property owner's name so that they can be aware
of any change in its development status.
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SARATOGA PARKS AND RECREATION COMMISSION - MINUTES - SEPTEMBER 17, 1973 - continued
Mr. Beyer reported that there has not been any recent discussion by the Fremont
School District about selling their property, but the Commission felt that some
immediate planning for its acquisition is~necessary because the purchase price
for 5 acres would be about $100,000. The Commission is not sure how large the
park actually needs to be to serve as a neighborhood park. They feel they may need
some help from the Parks Consultant before they can make a recommendation as to
its size and usage.
The Commission agreed that the Paramount site (Mathis property) should be dropped
because it is so close to the Miljevich park site.
Commissioners Gordon and Terry volunteered to update the map according to the
recommendations of this report and submit-a sumary sheet of approximately how
much money should be budgeted for each project for the Commission.
Mr. Beyer mentioned the Nelson Park site which is currently being deeded to
Nature Conservancy at the rate of one acre/year until they have 5 acres. At that
time the City will acquire the site, and some planning needs t® be done for it.
The Commission felt that a designation as open space at the present time might
be all that is necessary.
C. REPORT ON SPECIFIC TRAILS PLAN FOR SARATOGA (8/20/73)
This report is not yet fully prepared, so the Commission continued the item to
tf~e next agenda . - _
D. CONSIDERATION OF REQUEST BY r1R. JIM HOLZHAUER, BUSINESS MANAGER, SARATOGA `
SCHOOL DISTRICT, FOR CITY CONTRIBUTION TO A JOINT TURFING PROJECT AT ARGONAUT
SCHOOL ( CON'T FROM 8/20/73)
Mr. Beyer reported that the $5,500 the School District is requesting for this
project is consistent with the previous request by the District for Turfing projects.
This request for funds is the last the Saratoga School District plans to submit
to the City.
Jim Hendrickson reported that he had talked to the School District, and they
realize that they have submitted this request rather late as far as fitting it
into this year's Saratoga City budget, and he feels _t he Di"strict will not object
if the City decides to budget the $5,500 in the Fiscal Year 1974-75.
The .Commission feels that projects in cooperation with School Districts are an
excellent way to provide recreational facilities for the community, but is worried
that they will start receiving many more such requests. A possible solution might
be to allow funds for school in areas where there are no park facilities close by.
Commisioner Terry moved that the Commission delay action until the budget for
F.Y. 1974-75 is considered. Commissioner Zambetti seconded, and the motion was
passed unanimously.
III. NEW BUSINESS
A. CO\SIDERATION OF REQL~ST FOR CITY CO;I'::IEUTIO:d TO LIGHTING TENNIS COURT" AT
SARaTOGA HIGH SCHOOL,
Mr. Beyer reported that there is a potential problean with the lights being on late
at night, but the Recreation District is willing to turn them off between 10;00 P.ri.
and 11:00 P.rf. if such a problem arises. The class scheduling also needs to be
agreed upon with the Recreation District.
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SARATOGA PARKS AND RECREATION COMMISSION - MINUTES - SEPTEMBER 17 1973 - continued
The Commission felt that the number of courts left open for games should be
maximized as much as possible. Since the City is contributing $6,000, which
is approximately half of the cost of the project, the Commission felt that it
is reasonable to request that the Recreation District use only half of the
courts for lessons on the weekday evening, Monday throught Thursday, with Friday
and weekends to be for. open play. Commissioner Clawson so moved, and Commissioner
Terry seconded. The motion was passed unanimously.:
IV.
COMMITTEE AND STAFF REPORTS
A. COMMITTEE REPORTS
Commissioner Rose reported that the Demonstration Bicycle Route report-
almost finished. The cost of the route is considerably higher than the Council
authorized, but the final figure is not yet available. On Herriman Avenue, there,;.,,-.~-
will be lanes on both sides of the street for parking and bicyclearatoga- ;~,~-~:
Sunnyvaie Road to River Ranch Circle. On Miller Avenue there are lanes on in
the immediate vicinity of the School. Hopefully, the next meeting of the Committee
will result in the final approval of the recommendat}on to the City Council.
B. STAFF REPORTS
1. Report on Bid Opening for Gardiner Park - Held September 13, 1973.
Mr. Beyer reported that the low bid was from Palo Alto Landscape Co.,
whose base bid was $44,531. This is approximately $3,100 more than
expected, but Mr. Beyer is recommending that the City Council accept
the bid.
V. COMMUNICATIONS
A. WRITTEN
1. Richard E. Kaufmann, President ProTem, Gatehouse Homeowners' Association
Opposing the Proposed Gatehouse Walkway.
Commissioner Zambetti talked to Mr. Kaufmann about the trail. Mr. Kaufmann
agreed with him that if the trail is not constructed, there will still
be trails leading down to the creek from the private residences, and possibily
landscaping.
2. Montgomery W. Hawks, 20221 La Paloma, Saratoga,•_Expressing Opposition to
Any Further Expansion of Public Parks and Public Recreation Areas.
Mr. Beyer paid th at he does not think t'.-ie situation existing at Vasoi.a Park
is applicable to any parks in Saratoga because it is a large, regional
County park which draws people from much greater distances than wQUld any
of the neighborhood parks in Saratoga.
B . ORAL
Mr. Beyer reported that Commissioner Zaragoza has resigned from the Commission.
Chairman Wilberding asked the the members start thinking about who would be a
good person to fill this vacancy.
Mr. Beyer has talked to Mr. Rod Rodrigues regarding the request from the Senior
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L1Vloi0it Ot %1tC L1LL1C LCat:,uc iJi a va.ii Pain dt %Gli~ie55 Jprii'igs raLn, iii.
Beyer said that his recommendation would be to have the Los Gatos-Saratoga Recre-
ation Department take care of all scheduling of the games, but that if this group
would still want to donate money, there is no problem.
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SARATOGA PARKS AND RECREATION COMMISSION - MINUTES - SEPTEMBER 17, 1973 - continued.
The question of whether or not girls would be allowed to play on the teams is
still a major problem. Mr. Beyer thought that the request for funds to put
in turf at Argonaut School might be a way the City could require Little League to
admit girls, if it was a stipulation in granting the funds. This same stipulation
could be applied to the Rodrigues request.
Mr. Beyer reported that he 'has wiitten a letter to Mrs. Clara Stamper regarding
the City's interest in buying her property adjoining Congress Springs park, but
has not yet received a reply.
Commissioner Zambetti reported that 30 to 40 trees have died along Big Basin Way
as a result of the undergrcund conversion project. This might be a good time to
form a committee to develop a beautification plan for the Village. Mr. Beyer
said the the Village is a segment of the General Plan Review, but some time in
the near future, after the Review is completed this might be a good idea. in the
interim, trees could be replanted where there are dead. ones.
Chairman Wilberding requested that the Circulation Element be agendize for the
October 1st meeting. He also asked that the October 15, .1973 meeting be set
aside for discussion of trails and pathways.
--`Respectfully submitted,
Rob~er F. ~Beyer }
Acting-Secretary
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