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HomeMy WebLinkAbout11-18-1974 Parks and Recreation Commission Minutes• • SARATOGA PARKS AND RECREATION COMMISSION MINUTES TIME: MONDAY, NOVEMBER 18, 1974 PLACE: CRISP MEMORIAL CONFERENCE ROOM, SARATOGA CITY OFFICES. 13777 FRUITVALE AVENUE, SARATOGA, CALIFORNIA 95070 TYPE: REGULAR MEETING I. ORGANIZATION A. ROLL CALL PRESENT: Commissioners Carlson, Clawson, Gordon, Terry, Wilberding, and Zambetti. ABSENT: Commissioners Buchanan and Rose. OTHERS PRESENT: Mr. Charles Huff, Prides Crossing Homeowners ~ Taxpayers Association B. MINUTES The minutes of the November 4, 1974 meeting were approved as corrected. 11. OLD BUSINESS A. REVIEW OF SUBDIVISION ORDINANCE FEE SCHEDULE The Secretary distributed to the Commission an example of a fee structure that she REVIEW OF had worked out with the Planning Department with a flat fee per dwelling unit, plus SUBDIVISION an additional amount for each bedroom over one. ORDINANCE FEE SCHEDULE A flat fee will avoid being stuck with a fair market value which has not been re- assessed for 5 years. Once a flat fee basis is established, it is like any other fee in the City and can be raised annually by the City Council with budget. Also, there is no argument whether something is fair market value or assessed value, or assessed as it should be. The Secretary arrived at the base fee of $200 (dwelling unit with 1 bedroom), as that was the figure the Commission had agreed on at the November 4 meeting. Commissioner Carlson stated that the "Combination" - require fee or dedication of land or both, provided that land figured at fair market value does not exceed maxi- mum cost to owner or developer that fee's alone would be - might be a good rationale for the flat fee structure. If we took the average value of an acre of developable land and let this be the basis, we could then develop a fee structure based on the ;land value. The Secretary stated that the dedication of land formula - 4 acres/1000 people = 175 sq. ft. per person - is from the National Parks and Recreation Association. The average of 3.6 people per unit = 630 sq. ft. per unit is taken from the National average. Commissioner Zambetti made a motion that the Commission recommend to staff and the Planning Department the flat fee structure, dedication of land, and combination as written below: Flat fee per dwelling unit, plus additional amount for each bedroom over one. Dwelling unit includes: Single family unit and each unit of multiple dwelling designed for separate habitation. • • PARKS AND RECREATION COMMISSION - MINUTES - NOVEMBER 18, 1974 - continued Base fee $200./ D.U. with 1 bedroom $25. each additional bedroom No fee to exceed $300. (5 br) DEDICATION OF LAND 4 acres/1000 people = 175 sq. ft. per person 3.6 people per unit = 630 sq. ft. per unit f.(1MR I NAT I nN Require fee or dedication of land or both, provided that land figured at fair market value does not exceed maximum cost to owner or developer that fee's alone would be. Commissioner Terry seconded the motion, and it was passed unanimously. B. STUDY OF ITEMS THAT MIGHT BE INCLUDED IN THE PARK BOND ISSUE In taking the list the Commission had developed at their November 4 meeting, the STUDY OF ITEMS Secretary asked the Commissioner's their priorities. IN PARK BOND ISSUE Commissioner Gordon questioned whether Congress Springs Park could be included as a park bond issue if eminent domain was used to obtain the property. The Secretary stated it could, if the Commission wanted. It depends on the bond money and where it comes from. The State Park and Recreation bond money can be used. Commissioner Zambetti reported that Mary Wade, who is quite involved in different community activities, was in to see him and she feels a park bond issue is needed. Her main concern is the entry to the City at Prospect and Highway 9 as park or open space. She also stated that the City has available through the Housing and Development Act a sum of $4g 3,000 over the next 3 years. The first year the City can receive $81,000 if the City applies for it, and she felt that this could be used for parks also. Commissioner Gordon questioned whether median landscaping would be included in a park bond issue. The Secretary stated that this can be covered under gas tax monies. Chairman Wilberding stated that in adding up total acquisition it comes to an esti- mated $886,600, and for existing and new development and completion an estimated $2,760,000. Included in these totals are complete acquisition for Wildwood, and $50,000 towards development of Wildwood. Commissioner Zambetti believed Hakone Gardens would really help sell a bond issue as a passive form of recreation, and tennis courts in another area of the City as an active form of recreation. Chairman Wilberding questioned that if the Commission is committed to the sites as laid out, what do we do to tie down these sites, or in 5 years does the Commission try for another bond issue. The Secretary stated that if the first bond issue is passed, it would be possible to go for another one in 5 years, as once the resi- dents see that the items on the first bond issue were followed thru, it is a better selling factor the second time. The Commission decided the priorities for a bond issue would be as follows: 1) Congress Springs Park purchase with State bond money and develop with City bond money. 2) Hakone Gardens purchase of additional property for parking lot and buffer zone, and widening the access road at the bottom of the hill. 3) Open space purchase of Central Park property. 4) Quito pathway. 5) Foothill - additional acquisition. 6) Wildwood Park creek area and extension. 7) Development of Azule/Kevin Moran. 8) Entry Park open space. 9) Clear present indebtness. -2- • • PARKS AND RECREATION COMMISSION - MINUTES - NOVEMBER 18, 1974 - continued The Commission requested that staff come up with a figure for these 9 items, and the Commission will continue from there. Commissioner Terry questioned the Secretary as to whether the City is still follow- ing the old Quito plan line of 1967, or is there an updated one. The Secretary did not know of this plan line, but will check on it with the Public Works Department. The Secretary questioned the Commission about the Nelson property being donated to to the City, and should it be included in the bond issue. Chairman Wilberding did not see how it could be included, when the City does not have any real assurance as to when the property will be donated to the City. The Commission asked the Secretary for a clarification on this property. Commissioner Terry reported that Mr. Nelson has one of every type of tree on the property, and he used to take school children over it and explain the different types of trees, and this is how he wants the City to use and maintain it. The Secretary questioned the Commission as to whether money should be included for trails in the bond issue. Commissioner Terry suggested the trail down Quito only. The Secretary stated that if and when the library bond issue passes in March, the Commission can then make a recommendation on the previous library site. She felt that this corner was too busy to develop a park, and possibly we could sell it and put the money into acquisition, such as the Miljevich property. C. INFORMATION ON RESALE FEE The Secretary reported that as a general law city the City of Saratoga cannot levy INFORMATION a resale fee - only charter cities may. The Assistant to the City Manager is in- ON RESALE vestigating other general law cities to see what other types of revenue sources FEE they do have. One that has been mentioned is a bedroom tax, and the Commission will be provided more information on it at a later date. Commissioner Zambetti reported that in checking with the Los Gatos-Saratoga Board of Realtors, the average number of homes sold in Saratoga from November, 1973 thru October, 1974 was 515. 50% of these homes were between $73,000 and $80,000, so 25% were below $73,000 and 25% above $80,000. These are only multiple listing homes. III. NEW BUSINESS A. BROOKGLEN PARK PLANTING PROJECT BROOKGLEN PARK PLANTING PROJECT The Secretary reported that the Prides Crossing Homeowners Association is willing to put a flyer in their newsletter regarding plant donation for Brookglen Park, and introduced Mr. Charles Huff of the Homeowners Association to answer or discuss any ideas or questions for the Commission. Mr. Huff stated that the Commission should advertise in the local newspapers, and also have the unit representatives of the homeowner associations go door to door with the flyer. Commissioner Carlson stated he rather keep this project within the local neighborhood before going to an all out advertising campaign. The Secretary stated she is going to have a Master Plant Plan drawn up showing the 50 different plants and trees and where they are to be planted. It will be avail- able for the public to see or take to a homeowners association meeting, or whatever. Commissioner Carlson suggested numbering on the plan and listing the cost of each. The Commission agreed this would be the best way to handle the project. Commissioner Zambetti questioned Mr. Huff as to whether Prides Crossing Homeowners Association would be able to contribute some money. Mr. Huff stated that the Homeowners Association does not have that much money, but he was sure they would contribute something. Commissioner Carlson stated that he was sure Brookview Homeowners Association would contribute also, and have some representatives go door to door with the flyer. The Secretary stated that staff will take on the responsibility as to take donations and pledges, and that the Commission should set Commission agreed on March 1, 1975 as the deadline date. -3- one central point deadline. The • PARKS AND RECREATION COMMISSION - MINUTES - NOVEMBER 18, 1974 - continued Chairman Wilberc~ing suggested that the schools in the area (Congress Springs, Hansen, and Brookview) might also be interested in donating. The Secretary stated she would get the information needed for the Prides Crossing Newsletter to Mr. Huff next week. IV. COMMITTEE AND STAFF REPORTS A. COMMITTEE REPORTS 1) RE: HAKONE REVIEW COMMITTEE The Secretary stated the committee has not met as she has not had time to com- pile everything. Commissioner Clawson stated that he was up at Hakone and the viewing platforms have not been barricaded off. The Secretary stated she will check on this. B. STAFF REPORTS 1) RE: BROOKGLEN PARK The Secretary reported that she received information from the company that is going to build the play structures at Brookglen, so they should be working fairly rapidly now. V. COMMUNICATIONS A. KAY DUFFY, DIRECTOR MIDPENINSULA REGIONAL PARK DISTRICT-PARK DISTRICT BROCHURES The Secretary stated she found the brochure to be very interesting. B. INVITATION TO A WORKSHOP ON PARK DEVELOPMENT COSTS The Secretary stated she was going to try and go to the workshop for a short while the afternoon of November 20. VI. ADJOURNMENT There being no further business before the Commission, the meeting adjourned at 10:20 p.m~ Respectfully submitted, Barbara Sampson, Secretary -4-