HomeMy WebLinkAbout09-22-1975 Parks and Recreation Commission Minutesr ~ •
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SARATOGA PARKS AND RECREATION COMMISSION
MINUTES
71ME: MONDAY, SEPTEMBER 22, 1975 - 7:30 P.M.
PLACE: SARATOGA COMMUNITY CENTER MEETING ROOM,
19655 ALLENDALE AVENUE, SARATOGA, CA.
TYPE: REGULAR
1. ORGANIZATION
A. ROLL CALL
PRESENT: Commissioners Buchan, Carlson, Flora, Konrad and Schaefer.
ASSENT: Commissioners Gordon and Terry.
OTHERS PRESENT: Roy Swanson, Park Foreman; Tanso Ishihara, Hakone Garden. Oriental
Garden Specialist; and Rich Tominaga, student.
B. MINUTES
The minutes of the September 8, 1975 meeting were approved as corrected.
11. OLD BUSINESS
A. FOOTHILL PARK DEVELOPMENT COST ESTIMATES
• The Secretary included in the Commission's packet the Master Plan report and cost
FOOTHILL PARK estimates of Foothill Park, prepared by the architectuai firm of Arutunian/Kinney
DEVELOPMENT Associates.
COST ESTIMATES
Mr. Swanson presented the Commission with a cost comparison that showed a savings
of $14,000 and explained the difference. Demolition was reduced $1,000 because
the City can rerta ve the trees and possibly do the rough grading.
Commissioner Buchan questioned whether any of the trees could be utilized, Mr.
Swanson reported the trees are all fruit trees and will not survive in a turf area
because of too much water.
The soil preparation figure was eliminated completely as this would be included
in the seeding and ground cover. Hydro seeding eliminated also because the soil
preparation and seeding done as a unit of one. The ground cover reduced in half,
providing the City buys the plants and does the planting. The irrigation figure
cut by $8,000, In checking with R. V. Cloud Co., Mr, Swanson was quoted $6,000
for turf system irrigation which would include heads, electric valves, controller
and installation. This was figured at 35G a square foot. On the 15 gallon and
5 gallon trees the cost estimate was too high, where on the shrubs the figure
is too low, so these figures were adjusted accordingly. The cost estimates of
the lighting and play structure were left as is.
Mr. Swanson questioned the estimate on the finished grading, because normally it
is included with the seeding and ground cover preparation,
The Secretary stated that most architects now figure $1.00 a square foot for
development, and since there are no construction drawings, the architect does not
know the exact footage of various materials, and must come in with a high estimate
Chairman Carlson stated if the City went ahead unilaterally, after receipt of the
architect's plans, this project could end by costing about $35,000, including
plans and total development, The Secretary felt this could be done, and that
this amount would be less than planned in the Capital Improvement Program.
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PARKS l; RECREATION ~MISSIDN - MINUTES - SEPTEMBER 22, 19 continued y
The Secretary reported she had a meeting with 3 members of the Foothill Family-
Faculty Club and was brought up to date on the Club's status. The Foothill Family
Faculty Club has already paid the architect $3,100, $375 paid to have the access
road moved, they have $2,500 in a bank account, for a total of nearly $6,000
already raised by the Club. The School District has hired Dr. Stier on a con-
sulting basis to do State and Federal grant applications applying for funds for
the outdoor education area. The District Board of Trustees have supported every-
thing the Foothill Family-Faculty Club has done and is doing, along with Foothill
School Principal Dennis Paldi, and Dr. Glen McNicholas the Superintendent. There
is a Frank Stearn memorial fund that is to be used for the outdoor education area.
The School District through Dr. McNicholas has stated they will maintain the
school area, and $4,800 has been allocated to the Foothill Family-Faculty Club
for the drainage of the area. Jerry Lohr, owner of Saratoga Foothills Development
Corporation has informed Foothill Family-Faculty Club that he will buy all
materials wholesale for them, loan them equipment, and help in anyway possible at
no cost .
There are some people in the School District who are working with the Army Corp
of Engineers to do all the staking and grading of the school and City property.
Also, the President of Ferry-Morse Seed Company lives in the Foothill area and he
wilt be approached regarding donation of seed for the entire area.
Mr. Henry Clark, Maintenance Superintendent of the School District, is in favor
of the project and planning on assisting wherever possible. Many individuals
have volunteered their assistance. Frank Ousley, an engineer in the area has
volunteered to work on sprinkler systems in any areas he can.
Originally, the Foothill Family-Faculty Club wanted the play structure first, then
they began leaning toward smaller projects, and now realize the importance of
doing the grading and turfing first. The Secretary stated that if the Foothill
Family-Faculty Club can get slot of the work and materials at no charge, then
possibly the City can put together a Joint Powers Agreement with the School Dis- .
trict and help with the sprinkler system and other trade-offs.
Commissioner Konrad questioned the parking situation in connection with the ball
diamond and open field area. This could be a potential problem because of the
distance and adequate parking.
The Secretary stated if the Army Corp of Engineers does the work and City staff
helps in this project, this amount is deducted from the architect's contract.
The City's agreement states the architect's fee shall not exceed $8,000. The
agreement consists of four phases: Phase A - Master Plan concept; Phase B and C -
construction and working drawings, complete cost estimates and information for
bid process (specs); and Phase D - construction inspection.
The Secretary stated she was interested in talking to Dr. McNicholas regarding
what should be included in a Joint Powers Agreement. Once the entire area has
been developed it might be best for the City to may the School District for the
maintenance of the City's portion, since it is as small area. Possibly a mutual
account set up between the City and School Oistr'ict so that trade-offs can be
made between work performed and materials purchae~ed.
It was the consensus of the Commission that work: :should progress toward co-
development and the Commission would be interested in making reasonable value
trade-offs with the School District and Foothill: IFamily-Faculty Club.
Iii. NEW BUSINESS
A. RECOMMENDATION TO CITY COUNCIL RE: CONTINUATION (C)FF ARCHITECTS CONTRACT FOR
FOOTHILL PARK
RECOMMENDATION TO Commissioner Buchan moved that a recommendation bxe sent to City Council from the
COUNCIL RE: ARCHI- Commission, recommending continuation of the corr.K!ract for Foothill Park with the
TECTS CONTRACT - firm of Arutunian/Kinney Associates. Commissiorn 'Schaefer seconded the motion,
FOOTHILL PARK and it was passed unanimously.
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~ PARKS E RECREATION COFIMISSiON - MINUTES - SEPTEMBER 22 ,. 19~7~ continued •
B. ESTABLISH DATES FOR COMMISSION TOUR OF TRAILS
Commissioner Schaefer stated the Trails and Pathways Task Force had not met since
DATES FOR COMMI- the last Commission meeting, but the Commission tould go ahead and set some dates
SSION TOUR OF and she would O.K. them with the Task Force.
TRAILS
November 1st was set as the first tour at 8:15 a,m. Some trails would be done by
car. November 15th was tentatively set for the second tour, however the Secretary
would not be able to attend, because of a previous committment on this date.
C. EL QUITO PARK DEVELOPMENT SCHEDULE
The Secretary reviewed with the Commission the development schedule for E1 Quito
EL QUITO PARK Park that was issued for the CDA funds. The final Notice of Completion on the
DEVELOPMENT park is scheduled for November 1, 1976.
SCHEDULE
The Secretary reported a schedule would be done on Foothill Park also, as it is
a good guide to go by,
An architect for E1 Quito Park may not have to be hired, if the City may have the
required expertise. A certain portion may have to go out to contract only. This
is being investigated cost-wise and time-wise. Possibly by the October 6 Commi-
ssion meeting, Randy Anderson of Planning would be able to give more input on this
IV. COMMITTEE AND STAFF REPORTS
A. COMMITTEE REPORTS - None
6. STAFF REPORTS
1) RE: HAKONE GARDENS
The Secretary reported that Tanso Ishihara, Oriental Garden Specialist at
Hakone Gardens, will be visiting Japan in October and attended the Commission
• meeting to speak to the Commissioner's regarding his visit.
Mr. Ishihara reported that he would be visiting with Dr. Nakamura and Mr.
Yasuki, both of whom are assisting with the future design of Hakone. What he
needed was a letter from the City giving him permission to speak with them on
behalf of the City regarding plans for Hakone Gardens. Mr. Ishihara stated
there are no architectual plans for any of the buildings at Hakone, but if
a plan could be drawn of the lower house it would be very advantageous to take
with him, as Or. Nakamura has been doing drawings by memory only.
Commissioner Schaefer suggested calling Stanford University, as this might
be a good project for an architectual student to do a thesis on. The Secre-
tary stated this was a good idea except for the time factor involved.
Commissioner Schaefer suggested contacting Jean Woodward as she is involved in
the foreign exchange student program, and possibly starting a brotherhood
program where the City could have a student with Japanese architectual experi-
ence work at Hakone on an exchange program_
Chairman Carlson stated that for the first iiave the City has committed funds
in the Capital Improvement Program for Hakone and this should be pointed out
to Dr. Nakamura and Mr. Yasuki. The City recognizes the value of Hakone and
is ready to start work. If a drawing can be done, it would be beneficial for
Tanso to take to Japan and get some expert Qpenions and suggestions.
The Secretary reported that the City has a Design Draftsman who would possibly
be able to do an architectual drawing of the lower house, but it depends on
his time schedule. Even if the drawing could be sent to Tanso while in Japan,
It would be beneficial.
Chairman Carlson suggested that the City Manager write a letter of introduc-
tion for Tanso Ishihara and possibly send a small gift for the Mayor of Kyoto.
Also that Tanso investigate the idea of .a brother or sister garden while in
Japan and bring this information back to the Commission to implement. Possi-
bly this idea could tie in with the people exe.hange program to help each City.
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PARKS ~ RECREATION ~M{$SIDN - MINUTES - SEPTEMBER 22, 1875 - continued
The Secretary stated she would speak to the Director of Planning on a drawing
being done, and see that a letter is drafted by the City Manager for Tanso
Ishihara to take to Japan.
2) RE: 1975-78 CAPITAL IMPROVEMENT PROGRAM
The Secretary reported that the City's Capital Improvement Program has been
adopted, mainly for 1975-76, and reviewed some or' the approved projects.
3) RE: DUTCN ELM DISEASE
The Secretary reported that the City has not received the results of the test
taken on the suspect tree by the State Agriculture Department.
4) RE: VILLAGE BEAUTIFICATION
Commissioner Schaefer asked if the Commission had anything to do with the
Village Beautification project. The Secretary stated no, except for plant
advise given by Roy Swanson. Commissioner Schaefer had a question regarding
some walnut trees in the village area and was directed to see Rob Meyers in
the Planning Department.
5) RE: MIDPENINSULA REGIONAL PARK OlSTR1CT
Commissioner Konrad asked if any Commissioner's had attended the Park District
meeting on Friday, September 1g. No one attended, but the Secretary reported
the Fremont open space had been purchased and the meeting was to decide on
land use..
The Secretary suggested having Kay Duffy of the Park District attend a
Commission meeting and report on the District's projects. The Commission
agreed.
V. COMMUNICATIONS
A. SARATOGA ROTARY CLUB - COMMUNITY PROJECT DONATION
The Secretary distributed to the Commission a letter from the Saratoga Rotary
Club donating $1,500 for the purchase of picnic tables and trash cans.
Commissioner Buchan suggested the Commission send a letter to the Rotary Club
thanking them for the donation.
VI. ADJOURNMENT
There being no further business before the Commission, the meeting adjourned at
9:50 p.m.
Respectfully submitted,
/,. ~..~
Barbara Sampson, Secretary
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CS'I' OF SARATOG~
13777 FRUITVALE AVENUE - SARATOGA, CALIFORNIA 95070
(4081 867-3438
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TO: Parks ~ Recreation Commission
FROM: Barbara Sampson
SUBJECT: September 22 Agenda
DATE. September 18, 1975
We now have an approved 1975-76 Capital Improvement Program as of the
September 17th City Council meeting. This includes the parks program
as proposed to Council and the Commission's main priorities of Congress
Springs Park acquisition, Foothill development, and Hakone improvements.
Architect Ken Arutunian has completed the cost estimates for Foothill
• Park development. I have enclosed the report which he submitted. The
figures are higher than I would have anticipated, and it is difficult
for me to accept the increase. But, I must also point out that we have
not considered park development costs since prior to development of
Brookglen, which was almost 18 months ago. The inflation factor the
last 18 months has been severe. I would suggest that the Commission
recommend to City Council the continuation of the contract with Arutunian/
Kinney Associates so that work on Phases B, C, and D may be initiated.
This includes construction drawings, final estimates, bid process, and
construction inspection. This should be sent to the City Council at their
October 1st meeting.
We will consider tour dates to review trails and I will review with you
the anticipated development schedule for El Quito Park. ~ ,
It is my understanding that the City's Oriental Garden Specialist, Tanso
Ishihara, wilt be traveling to his home in Japan before the end of the
year. He would like to obtain the Commission's feelings regarding con-
tacting Dr. Nakamura about the Hakone Plans. Tanso will be present at
the meeting on Monday.
If we have a report from the State Agricultural Department regarding the
Dutch Elm Disease, it will be brought to you. On September 10th samples
of one (1) tree were sent for lab tests as suspect as having D.E.D.
Although not specifically mentioned on the agenda, I have enclosed for you
a copy of a news article from the San Jose Mercury News last week. regarding
the architectual firm of Royston, Hanamoto, Beck and Abey. The contents of
this article may be of interest to this Commission, and it may be necessary
for you to take this kind of item into consideration prior to selecting an
architect for E1 Quito Park.
Barbara Sampson, Secretary ®: