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HomeMy WebLinkAbout09-17-1973 Parks and Recreation Commission Minutesr .f • ~ • 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. -- - t - -1- • ~ 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. i 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. r~ -2- • • 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. -3- • 1 • 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 rt r ~ i - -- - r - t- -" - '- n "---'- ` 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. -4- • 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 mm -5-