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HomeMy WebLinkAbout09-08-1975 Parks and Recreation Commission MinutesSARATOGA PARKS AND RECREATION COMMISSION MINUTES TIME: MONDAY, SEPTEMBER 8, 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, Gordon, Schaefer and Terry. ABSENT: Commissioners Flora. and Konrad. OTHERS PRESENT: Park Foreman Roy Swanson, Ken Arutunian, Architect for Foothill Park, and members of the Foothill Family-Faculty Club: Dennis Paldi, Gretchen Dennis, Gail Stypula, Judy and Roger Pitkin, .. ~ '~~ "and Sandi Goldberger. B. MINUTES ~ r The ,minutes of the August 4, 1975 meeting were approved as corrected. II. OLD BUSINESS • A. FOOTHILL PARK MASTER PLAN The Secretary introduced Ken Arutunian, the architect for the co-development of FOOTHILL PARK Foothill Park. Mr. Arutunian explained the Master Plan, stating the City's cost MASTER PLAN of development for their property still remains at $25,000 to $30,000. The City's property consists of berming, tree plantings, a mini forest tying the City and school property together, and grass up to the stream bed. Paths for the entire park go around and not cut thru grass areas and consist of decomposed gravel. Mr. Arutunian also explained the different plans for the school property; plans for grading, staking, planting (total of 200 trees), irrigation, trellis, gazebo, play structure, etc. , • Commissioner Buchan questioned the stream bed and pond. Mr. Arutunian explained how the water can gather at one point and be dammed up for school nature studies, however it would be dry about 6 months of the year. It will be creek bed quality with a natural drainage area, and 4-6 inches deep at any one time. The stream would serve as the actual boundary line between the City and school property. Chairman Carlson questioned liability for Foothill Park. The Secretary stated that at the time development is started, it would be beneficial for both mainte- nance and development to have a joint powers agreement between the City and School District. Commissioner.Schaefer questioned the maintenance and life expectancy between de- composed gravel and asphalt. Mr. Arutunian stated that alot depends on the soil conditions, but that asphalt is not that much more permanent than decomposed gravel, as asphalt tends to disintegrate and crack. For 4 to 5 years a decomposed gravel pathway needs little maintenance, and maybe every year or two after that a resurfacing job might be necessary. • The Secretary asked the members from the Foothill Family-Faculty Club if they had any questions and what they thought of the Master Plan for the City's property. Mrs. Stypula of Foothill Family-Faculty Club stated the Club is very impressed with the Master Plan and felt that the grading and play structure should be the first items done at the park. -1- f~ PARKS b RECREATIO MMISSION - MINUTES - SEPTEMBER 8, 19~'- continued Chairman Carlson stated he would like to see the grading, sprinkler system and turf done at one time, instead of the play structure first. Mr. Arutunian stated it would be best, however, it could create some problems financially with the Foothill Family-Faculty Club. The Club does have a person who is willing to work with them on the play structure now at a relatively inexpensive price. Chairman Carlson questioned if there was any advantage to doing the grading now, if the actual development would not be started. for awhile. Mr. Arutunian stated it would help as far as a visual appearance to show residents an effort is being made. However, he did nut see that the entire park needed to be done at the same time. As the City has funds, they should develop. Possibly work jointly on grading and make trade-offs with the sprinkler system and pathways. The School District is applying for State and Federal funds, but a Master Plan is needed first. The Secretary assured Foothill Family-Faculty Club that $40,000 is in the proposed Capital Improvement Program for Foothill Park development. The Secretary suggested that the Commission send the initial concept of the Master Plan to City Council now for their approval on the basic design and concept so that the Foothill Family-Faculty Club has a plan to work with and show to the residents. Commissioner Schaefer moved that the Commission accept the Master Plan as proposed and send it to City Council. Also that the grading be done at the time financing is available from the school. Commissioner Gordon seconded the motion, and it was passed unanimously. Chairman Carlson asked that a further motion be added to this at the next Commission meeting, after Ken Arutunian gives a specific cost for development, so that priorities can then be set. Chairman Carlson asked the Commission's feeling on developing jointly or separate- • ly. Commissioner Schaefer did not think the City should develop until the Commission finds out what the school is going to do with their funds. s Commissioner Terry felt the school wants the City to do everything and they only ~' put up the play structure. The real visual impact to the residents in the area is when the land is green, and that means grading, sprinkler system and turf. Commissioner Gordon felt the Commission should help Foothill Family-Faculty Club get started, but not fully develop the City portion. Commissioner Terry stated that it would be best to develop project by project by using trade-offs. The City could help with the sprinkler system and the school could help with the pathways, so that the whole area could be green at the same time. Chairman Carlson stated he would like to join with the Foothill Family-Faculty Club to openly support the project as a whole. The Secretary stated it would be best at this time for staff to meet with someone from Foothill Family-Faculty Club and work out a construction program between the City and school to find out what can be done and when.- Also to find out the funding of the whole project and what has been applied for from the State and Federal Government. The Secretary was asked to report back to the Commission on this at the September 22nd Commission meeting. 6. 1975-1978 CAPITAL IMPROVEMENT PROGRAM The Secretary reported that $30,000 has been cut from major categories in the 1975-1978 C.I.P. Capital Improvement Program, and $15,000 cut from unallocated revenue. Revenue • sharing funds end in 1976, and the Community Development Act funds are committed. Additional cuts are going to have to be made due to the tax rate being establish- ed at a lower level than recommended. -2- D ~ •. PARKS !; RECREATION COMMISSION - MINUTES - SEPTEMBER 8, 19~ continued The Secretary reviewed the projected summary of park acquisition for 1975-76 - Azule Park pay-off at $9,100; $41,500 committed for Central Park Catholic church • property; $82,000 this year to purchase Congress Springs; $40,500 for improve- ments at Hakone Gardens; $16,000 for retaining wall at Wildwood Park; and $40,000 for El Quito Park, which is CDA funds. Commissioner Schaefer moved that the Commission recommend adoption of the Park Acquisition and Development Program for 1975-76 as proposed, which reaffirms the Commission's original recommendation of projects and their priorities. Also reaffirm the recommendation to purchase the Congress Springs Park property. Commissioner Buchan seconded the motion, and it was passed unanimously. The Secretary stated she would send a memo to the City Manager to present to City Council at their study session September 9th, reaffirming the Commission's top priorities. III. NEW BUSINESS A. REPORT ON .DUTCH ELM DISEASE - SUPPORT OF HOUSE RESOLUTION 1049 Park Foreman Roy Swanson reported to the Commission the background and current REPORT ON DUTCH status of Dutch Elm Disease (D.E.D.). D.E.D. entered into the United States in ELM DISEASE - 1930 on the East coast and has now come to the West coast. On August 4, D.E.D. SUPPORT OF H.R. was,d,iscovered in Sonoma County, brought by people from New Jersey who brought 10+~ 9 the vector in their furniture. Since then D.E.D. has. been found in Modesto, Napa and Palo Alto. D.E.D. is a fungus which invades and plugs the water conducting system of the tree. The fungus is transferred from tree to tree by both the European elm bark beetle and the native bark beetle. A tree infected with D.E.D. must be cut down completely, and if other elms are within 50 feet, root cutting should be done. All portions of the infected tree should be burned, preferably at the same loca- tion so the disease and beetle are not transported to other areas. There is no known cure or control of the fungus, and because we can no longer use D.D.T., there is no control of the vector or carrier. A survey has been made by staff of the City of Saratoga, and 3 trees were found in the Quito area that are suspect. The State Department of Agriculture is being called to conduct an investigation. Commissioner Terry questioned how many Elm trees the City has. Mr. Swanson stated 450 Elms, mainly in the Quito area. Mr. Swanson reported the House of Representatives have introduced a bill (H.R. 1049) to establish a program for the prevention and control of D.E.D., and recommended that the Commission support passage of it. The Secretary stated she informed Senator Smith of the D.E.D. problem and he has asked that she keep him informed of Saratoga's status, so that he can apply for funds if necessary. Removal would cost approximately $400 per tree. Commissioner Gordon moved that the Commission support H.R. 1049 for the control and prevention of D.E.D., and request that a recommendation be sent to City Council to go on record as supporting passage of H.R. 1049, and this be communi- cated to the appropriate legislator's. Commissioner Buchan seconded the motion, and it was passed by a 4 to 1 vote, with Commissioner Schaefer voting no. Commissioner Terry asked if D.E.D. could be publicized to alert citizens of the .problem, signs of the disease, and who to notify if they believe their Elm has D.E.D. The Secretary stated a news release is being written to notify residents. • B. REVIEW OF COMMISSION'S RULES AND PROCEDURES FOR MEETINGS The Secretary read the Parks and Recreation Commission's charter for a quorum REVIEW OF COMM, and asked the Commission how many appointed members should constitute a quorum, RULES E PROCEDURES and be able to make the decision for the entire Commission. FOR MEETINGS . -3- • ~ 1 PARKS b RECREATION~MISSION - MINUTES - SEPTEMBER 8, 1975 - continued Commissioner Gordon felt 5 members should make a quorum. Commissioner Buchan questioned when the Youth Commissioner's would be appointed. The Secretary stated it should be done by the Mayor soon, since school is now back in session. Chairman Carlson also felt that 5 members should be a quorum, but that a meeting should still be held if there are only 4 present. He also asked that he be con- sulted concerning items on the agenda before a Commission meeting is actually canceled. Commissioner Terry stated that the charter remain as is, but as a working rule } of appointed members must be present fora recommendation. The Commission agreed. C. ESTABLISH DATES FOR COMMISSION TOUR OF TRAILS ESTABLISH DATES Commissioner Terry asked that this item be put on the October 6th Commission FOR COMMISSION meeting agenda, as dates could not be set at this time. The Commission re- TOUR OF TRAILS quested that tentative dates be established at the next meeting. IV. COMMITTEE AND STAFF REPORTS A. COMMITTEE REPORTS 1) RE: TRAILS AND PATHWAYS TASK FORCE Commissioner Terry reported the Task Force has put together sections of the complete trails report, and he is in the process of rewriting, cutting, and putting all the information in some form of continuity. The Task Force will meet again in possibly 2 weeks to try and finish the en- tire report. The trail tour will probably take 2 Saturday's to cover the main arterial routes. He would like to arrange for drivers of 2 cars to serve as pick-ups at certain points, so the least walking as possible will be done in order to conserve time. Joe Hootman of the Saratoga Traits and Pathways Task Force is also on the County Trails and Pathways Task Force, and Commissioner Terry reported he would be attending a meeting with him on September 29 to brief the County and other groups in the area on our trails and pathways. B. STAFF REPORTS 1) RE: GRANT FOR STATE PARK BOND FUNDS The Secretary reported the funds are being requested for 1976-77. 2) RE: GARDINER PARK PLAY EQUIPMENT The Secretary reported the play equipment at Gardiner Park has been installed, all but one piece of which parts are still on order. Pictures of members of the Rotary Club were taken at the park Saturday, September 6 for release to newspapers. 3) RE: COUNCIL SUPPORT OF 56 969 - TRAILS The Secretary reported that City Council has endorsed support for SB 969, which replaces SB 968 that died in the Ways and Means Committee due to lack of funds. SB 969 is now on its way to the floor of the Assembly. 4) RE: NEW AGREEMENT BETWEEN CITY AND COMMl1NITY GARDEN The Secretary reported there is a new agreement between the City and the Community Garden, putting the Community Garden Board of Directors, Inc. on their own, so they may now as a non-profit organization qualify for alot of different grants, which they could not before being under the City. The City is still providing $6,000 a year in salary and $1,000 a year for water. • C -4- ~ . } PARKS b RECREATION COMMISSION - MINUTES - SEPTEMBER 8, 1975 = continued John Dotter is now working as a CEDA employee through West Valley College Community Services and working on an entire County program with 6 gardens, • and they are asking Bank of America and their foundation for $400,000 for the next 3 years of operation. Saratoga Community Garden would become the training garden for all apprentices. 5) RE: SARATOGA-LOS GATOS RECREATION DEPARTMENT CONTRACT Commissioner Buchan questioned if the Recreation Department contract was going to be reviewed. The Secretary reported the figures will be known this week as to how many Saratoga residents participate in the programs, and the contract will be coming before the Commission soon. 6) RE: SZUDY PROPERTY Commissioner Terry questioned if anything had been decided on the Szudy property. The Secretary stated no. V. COMMUNICATIONS - Nome VI. ADJOURNMENT There being no further business before the Commission, the meeting adjourned at 10:45 p.m. Respectfully submitted, Barbara Sampson, Secretary BS:bh • • -5- ..F -A B ,r-~--~; ~~ >. 7 • .,F~~, CTlY OF SARATOG~ 13777 FRUITVALE AVENUE - SARATOGA, CALIFORNIA 95070 (408) 867-3438 ~~~Oo ~°3~~D~~i TO: Parks ~ Recreation Commission FROM: Barb Sampson SUBJECT: September 8 Agenda DATE. September 3, 1975 Architect Ken Arutunian will be at the meeting to discuss with the Commission the final concept and Master Plan for Foothill Park. Following that the Commission will have one more opportunity to make recommendations for the 1975-78 Capital Improvement Program. Please bring to the meeting your copy` of the proposed program, mailed to you in August. Council will hold a study session on the Capital Improvement Program on September 9 and any further recommendations will be forwarded to them for review on the 9th. Park Foreman Roy Swanson will give us a report on the Dutch Elm Disease and I would like the Commission to support passage of HR 1049 to establish a program for the prevention and control of the Dutch Elm Disease. The Commission expressed interest in definitely establishing a set number as a quorum. You have the authority to change your awn rules, but I would advise that any changes be sent to Council for review. If the Commission is interested in touring the proposed major trail areas, I would suggest you set dates so this can be accomplished before the winter weather. There are quite a few items under staff report to review with you regarding various Council actions. Hope you all had a nice vacation and are ready to continue the progress of the Commission. See you Monday. ~~~~ ..-- Barbara Sampson, Secretary • BS:bh ~.