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HomeMy WebLinkAbout10-06-1975 Parks and Recreation Commission Minutes+~ '' r~ ~J • SARATOGA PARKS AND RECREATION COMMISSION MINUTES TIME: MONDAY, OCTOBER 6, 1975 - 8:00 P.M. PLACE: SARATOGA COMMUNITY CENTER MEETING ROOM, 19655 ALLENDALE AVENUE, SARATOGA, CA. TYPE: REGULAR I. ORGANIZATION A. ROLL CALL PRESENT: Commissioners Buchan, Carlson, Flora, Gordon, Konrad and Schaefer. ABSENT: Commissioner Terry. OTHERS PRESENT: Joan Doherty, Acting Community Center Director; Randy Anderson, Planning Draftsman; and Mr. Jack Maxfield of the National Manage- ment Association. B. MINUTES The minutes of the September 22, 1975 meeting were approved as corrected. tl. OLD BUSINESS • A. EL QUITO PARK PLAN CONCEPT The Secretary introduced Randy Anderson the Draftsman from the Planning Department, EL QUITO PARK to go over the master plan of El Quito Park with the Commission, make suggestions PLAN CONCEPT and point out problem areas. Mr. Anderson stated the berms in some areas of the park create a low visibility from the street and could create a vandalism problem. Also, the wooden fence between the park and the Music and Art Center would be better replaced by a chain link fence which would allow visual surveilance of the park. The pathway that goes around the park is more in the design on an obstacle course and would encour- age bicycle racing. Mr. Anderson did not understand the different play areas throughout the park for the various age groups. A play structure should be put in one area to better utilize space. The tennis courts would not be worth it money-wise for just 2 courts, plus the expense of tights. Would not really serve the neighborhood, for people from other parts of the City would be coming to the park to use the courts. Mr. Anderson also pointed out the lack of Senior Citizens facilities if a Senior Citizen Housing Development is built as planned in this area. Perhaps shuffle- board, horseshoes, benches, etc. could be included in an area designed for Seniors. Commissioner Flora questioned whether Foothill Park had a separate path for pedes- trian and bicycles. The Secretary stated no it is a combined path. Mr. Anderson reported a combined path out of decomposed granite would suit the purpose of El Quito Park. Mr. Anderson stated the bridge planned for the park would have to be heavyduty and could be quite expensive, so might be better eliminated from the plan. He suggested including a bicycle moto-cross course in the park which would. take • about an 1/8 of an acre and consist of low mounds of dirt and would be very inex- pensive. The City of Santa Clara has such a course which is very popular with children. The Secretary questioned what type of protection is usually put around such a course to keep small children from walking in the area. Mr. Anderson reported some type of flexible fencing such as plastic is best. The course should be located away from the play structure area in the park. -1- PARKS b RECREATION MISSION - MINUTES - OCTOBER 6 1975 • ntinued Mr. Anderson stated the park should maybe have some type of handicapped capability also since the Outland Multihandicapped Center is located next door to the park. Chairman Carlson stated that this location is only temporary for the Center, but it should be taken into consideration. The Secretary stated all the parks should be built with wide enough access for wheel chairs. Commissioner Schaefer questioned if all these ideas would be presented to residents at the public hearing for their choice, or exactly how is it done. Chairman Carl- son stated a basic plan is needed for the park before it goes to public hearing. Commissioner Schaefer suggested possibly a backboard in the park for handball and tennis practice. Also, if a Senior Citizens area is provided that it not be in a corner of the park away from everything. Mr. Anderson stated the park should not include a parking area or restrooms, as this is a neighborhood park, and these facilities would only encourage people from other parts of the City. Commissioner Gordon did not like the idea of a bicycle moto-cross course for El Quito Park, but possibly for Congress Springs Park. The Secretary stated a moto- cross course would be good in a park where one phase is not developed. Chairman Carlson stated a moto-cross course would depend on the many uses of that park, as to whether a course would fit into the environment of the park instead of some type of play structure. The Secretary stated the Commission has to decide if the preliminary plan shall be redesigned; is it meeting the needs of the residents; if not, it will go to an architect for redesign. Mr. Anderson suggested he put the Commission's priorities in order acid then send it to an architect. Chairman Carlson stated the main objective is to get the work started so development can start by Spring. The Secretary stated if the El Quito Park preliminary plan is redesigned, it should • most likely go to the architectual firm of Royston, Hanamoto, Beck and Abey as they have offered their services as the original architects of the preliminary plan. Chairman Carlson stated that the City has since worked with two very reli- able architects, and possibly it would be more advantageous to go to one of them. The Secretary stated she would consider staying with the original designers of the plan, as long as the Commission works with only one man in the firm. Commissioner Gordon thought the Commission should stay with Royston, Hanamoto, Beck and Abey in order to stay within the time schedule for El Quito. Commissioner's Flora and Konrad agreed. The Commission asked Randy Anderson to work on some concepts and ideas for the park to bring back to the Commission, and at the same time keep in mind the time sche- dule where an architect can be hired, a revised plan drawn, public hearing held, another revision of the plan, bid specs and process, and development in the Spring of 1976. The Secretary stated staff would investigate the legal ramifications of R. Anderson working on this project beyond the suggestion stage and into further drawings. Commissioner Gordon moved that staff contact the architectual firm of Royston, Hanamoto, Beck and Abey for presentation of their ideas for finishing E1 Quito Park. Commissioner Konrad seconded the motion, and it was passed unanimously. Chairman Carlson asked that the Secretary and R. Anderson work together on further recommendations and the timing schedule involved for the park. B. HAKONE GARDENS: CAPITAL IMPROVEMENT FUNDS HAKONE GARDENS: CAPITAL IMPROVE- MENT FUNDS The Secretary reported the Planning Department does not have the time for one of • its staff to do the drawing of Hakone. A Japanese architect in Scotts Valley has been suggested, but has not been contacted yet to see if he would be interested. She questioned whether the Conmission was interested in spending some of the Capi- tal Improvement funds for the hiring of an architect. The project will take 3 to 4 days and probably cost about $1,000. -2- ~. • PARKS E RECREATION COMMISSION - MINUTES - OCTOBER 6, 1975 --continued Chairman Carlson stated the Commission is committed to this project, but it would be best not done in such a short time. For the time being, possibly some recent • photographs of the lower house pointing out some key construction elements could be sent to Japan along with a letter to Tanso Ishihara explaining that because of the time factor and costs involved, it is not possible to provide an architectual drawing of the lower house. The main priority is to keep the structure standing, before any major redesign can be done to the roof. If an architect is found who would be willing to donate his time, this would be another matter. Commissioner Buchan asked if eventually complete drawings would be done of Nakone Gardens, since there are not any drawings at all. The Secretary stated yes. ill. NEW BUSINESS A. INDIAN ENCAMPMENT BICENTENNIAL PROGRAM: FREMONT SCHOOL DISTRICT SITE The Secretary reported the American Indian Council has requested the City grant a INDIAN ENCAMP- Use Permit for their use of the Fremont School District site for an Indian Encamp- MENT BICEN- ment as a bicentennial project. City Council has referred the request to the TENNIAL PROGRAM: Planning Commission with no objections. The American Indian Encampment has been FREMONT SCHOOL endorsed by the Saratoga and County Bicentennial Committee's and by DeAnza College. DISTRICT SITE Commissioner Schaefer reported she attended a presentation to the Saratoga Bicen- tennial Committee by George Woodard the head of the American Indian Council and was very impressed by the project. Commissioner Konrad stated that living across from this site he was concerned of the traffic problem and the site being restored afterwards to its original condi- tion. Possibly the Encampment should be bonded. Also, the neighbors in the area should be taken into consideration. The Secretary stated these restrictions would be done by the Planning Commission, and a public hearing on the Indian Encampment would be held Wednesday, October 8th at the Planning Commission meeting. Commissioner Flora moved that the Commission endorse the project as a valuable educational and recreational activity, and that the Planning Commission condition the Use Permit so that all City Ordinances are met, with particular attention to: 1) Commercialism aspect - strongly object to any possibility this will become a commercial venture. 2) Disturbance of area residents - conditions be applied regarding hours and noise levels. 3) Conditions of property after use - property be restored to its original condition. Commissioner Buchan seconded the motion, and it was passed unanimously. The Secretary stated she would send the Commission's recommendation to the Planning Commission. B. REVIEW OF COMMUNITY CENTER PROGRAM The Secretary introduced Joan Doherty, the Acting Community Center Director. Ms. REVIEW OF Doherty distributed to the Commission the Community Center Fall brochure and ex- COMMUNITY plained the activities at the Center. There are 30 classes a week held at the CENTER PROGRAM Center; } by Saratoga and ~ by the Los Gatos - Saratoga Recreation District. Be- cause of the contract between the City and Recreation District's, Saratoga is only allowed to offer adult classes and there cannot be a duplication of services. Youth activities, grades 7-12, are offered in a drop-in program after school and 3 evenings a week and organized activities such as volleyball, baseball, basketball, etc. are available for the kids. Redwood School has 1 dance a month at the Center with an average of 500 Junior High students attending. Various excursions are offered to concerts, Disneyland, and ski trips. Also, during the winter, movies are shown on the weekends. - 3- rr~nn~ ~ nccncHi~un uunMi~S~on - MfNUTES - OCTOBER 6 1975~continued ~ ~ ` The Cent~as now become involved in Senior Citl7en activities. Two groups now meet regularly at the Center, the Sunset Club and the Saratoga Chapter of the American Association of Retired Persons. A drop-in program on Thursday's is available for Senior's with all different kinds of activities. The Sunset Club has regular dances every month for only $1.00 and includes entertainment and re- freshments. Normally about 200 are in attendance. The Senior's love excursion • trips, however the Community Center is limited on staff for these trips. A flu shot program was offered all Senior Citizens at the Center on October 1st, with over 400 people participating., The Community Center also offers special activities during the year such as a "ski swap" and a crafts faire. A Youth Employment Service is provided where youths fill out an application and are placed in various jobs throughout the City. The Center also rents its facilities for weddings, dances, etc. and has many large groups that use it. Commissioner Gordon questioned why the Center is not allowed to offer programs to young children. The Secretary reported because of the restricted contract the City is under with Los Gatos Recreation District, the Center is not allowed to offer programs to children under 7th grade, and the District has priority over all pro- grams where our staff must work around their programs. A survey is being done by City staff at the present time to see exactly how many residents are participating in the recreation programs, and an age breakdown included. This survey will be presented to the Commission upon completion. Commissioner Buchan questioned the duplication of services. The Secretary stated this has created a big problem because Los Gatos Recreation District considers it duplication if a class is offered during the day, it should not be offered at night also. This is not serving the residents if this is what is considered "duplication of services", In order for a new agreement to be made with the District, when the present agreement expires, alot of trade-offs and changes are going to have to be made. The Secretary pointed out she wanted the Commission to be aware of these problems, and to get the residents feelings, so when the new agreement is drawn up the Commission may provide input. IV. COMMITTEE AND STAFF REPORTS A. COMMITTEE REPORTS 1) RE: TRAILS AND PATHWAYS TASK FORCE Commissioner Schaefer reported the Task Force has not met since she last reported to the Commission. The Secretary stated she would check with John Terry on the status of the Task Force. B. STAFF REPORTS 1) RE: STATUS OF FOOTHILL PARK CO-DEVELOPMENT The Secretary reported the Foothill Park Master Plan was approved by City Council on October 1st, and the continuance of the architect's contract for the park is scheduled for approval at the City Council meeting on October 15th. The City Manager and staff are scheduled to meet with Dr. McNicholas next week on a Joint Powers Agreement. Chairman Carlson asked that Roy Swanson work with the respective people from Foothill on trade-offs of equal value. The Secretary assured the Commission this would be done. C V. COMMUNICATIONS A. LEISURE LINES C.P.R.S. NEWSLETTER: LEGISLATIVE REPORT The Secretary included in the Commission's packet the recent C.P.R.S. Newsletter to bring the Commission up to date on what has occurred with various legislative items. VI. ADJOURNMENT . There beiny no further business before the Commission, the meeting adjourned at 10:45 p.m. Respectfully su5nitted, _ - .. - __ - ~?tcc ~""" i' °". -~ R, C Y OF SARATOG~ ~-i 13777 FRUITVALE AVENUE - SARATOGA,_CALIFORNIA 95070 _ ~,:,s~ - . ~ ~ (408) 867-3438 • F~n^ ~~~0~°31~~DtU~~ TO: Parks ~ Recreation Commission DATE: October 2, 1975 FROM: Barbara Sampson SUBJECT: October 6 Agenda Please note that the meeting time for the October 6th meeting has been changed to start at 8:00 p.m. This change has been made because two individuals making presentations to the Commission will not be available to attend the meeting until after 8:30 p.m. • Randy Anderson of the Planning Department will be present to give us some ideas on E1 Quito Park. He has been working on a possible plan revision and has some ideas he would like to express to the Commission, and would like to obtain your reaction- to these ideas before proceeding with the total plan. I hope to have some information for you on the drawing of plans for Hakone Gardens. I am in the process of contacting a gentleman who lives in Scotts Valley who is a retired Japanese architect. If he is interested in doing some work for the City, it would be necessary for the Commission to recommend the expenditure of Capital Improvement funds in order to pay his fee. Although staff members of the Planning Department have the expertise necessary to do structural drawings for us, the time element may not be sufficient in order for us to get plans to Tanso in Japan in time for them to be reviewed by Dr. Nakamura and Mr. Yasuki. Although the Commission does not need to take formal action on the request for the use permit by the American Indian Council, I want the Commission to be aware of the request and to provide any input to the Planning Commission that they feel is necessary. I have enclosed for you a copy of the letters sent by the American Indian Council to the City Council, and a copy of the proposal that was made to the Santa Clara Bicentennial Committee. The City Council at their meeting on September 17th referred. the aspect of a use permit to the Planning Commission. Joan Doherty the Acting Community Center Director will be attending the meeting in order to review for the Commission the present programming that is being conducted through the Community Center. This will give the Commission an oppor- . tunity to become acquainted with the functions of our Community Center so that you may be prepared to make recommendations when the agreement with the Los Gatos- Saratoga Recreation District is reviewed. For your information, I have enclosed a copy of that agreement in your Commission packet. ©: • • C~ Parks ~ Recreation Commission October 2, 1875 Page 2 We have received a negative report from the State Department of Agriculture re- garding the tree that was being tested for Dutch Elm Disease. We do not have Dutch Elm Disease in the Elm trees in the Quito area at the present time. The State Department has asked us to be on the continual lookout for any signs of infection, and although that will be a little difficult this time of the year because the Elm trees are starting to lose their leaves naturally, we will definitely have to be on the watch next Spring and the early part of the summer, for this is when a breakout will occur if we are going to have a problem at all. I will bring you up to date on the status of the Foothill Park co-development. A great deal of information has been relayed since our last meeting, and Mr. Beyer and myself are meeting with the Superintendent of schools early this next week in order to begin negotiations on a Joint Powers Agreement for the development and maintenance aspect. 1 understand a definite committment is being made with the Army Corp of Engineers to do the grading, and this is definitely a step in the right direction. Barbara Sampson, Secretary .• BS:bh •