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HomeMy WebLinkAbout10-07-1974 Parks and Recreation Commission Minutes • SARATOGA PARKS AND RECREATION COMMISSION MINUTES TIME: MONDAY, OCTOBER 7, 1974 - 7:30 P.M. PLACE: CRISP MEMORL9L CONFERENCE ROOM, SARATOGA CITY OFFICES, 13777 FRUITVALE AVENUE, SARATOGA, CALIFORNIA 95070 TYPE: REGULAR MEETING I. ORGANIZATION A. ROLL CALL PRESENT: Commissioners Carlson, Gordon, Rose, Wilberding and Zambetti. ABSENT: Commissioners Buchanan, Clawson and Terry. OTHERS PRESENT: Lorrayne Kennyworth and Bob Clayborn. B. MINUTES The minutes of the September 23, 1974 meeting were approved as submitted. II. OLD BUSINESS A. GARDINER PARK DEDICATION The Commission reviewed the programs that were used far the E1 Quito GARDINER PARK Park dedication to see if there were any changes or suggestions for DEDICATION the October 20 dedication of Gardiner Park. The Secretary has tried to contact the Gardiner family but has not been able to, and will try again. Commissioner Zambetti suggested that in order to have a good turn-out at the dedication, that the children of the area. be invited. Commis- sioner Rose suggested serving punch a.nd cookies. The Secretary will write a history for the program and include some facts about the Gardiner family. Also invitations will be sent fo Jean Woodward and Norm Matteoni, as they were on the Parks and Recrea- tion Commission at the time Gardiner Park was named and constructed. III. NEW BUSINESS A. REVIEW OF SUBDIVISION ORDINANCE The Secretary reported that of the 7 cities she contacted only 1 city (Cupertino) had a park fee. Their fee is computed by the number of people expected to reside within an acre and then on the percentage basis of what the land value is. Commissioner Carlson stated that if this formula had been used for the Prides Crossing and Brookview areas with a series of small parks or one large park at the start of development of this area slot of problems could have been avoided. PARKS AND RECREAT~COMMISSION - MINUTES - 1974 - continued Chairman Wilberding stated that most of our other parks are designated park sites and there are not many places left for us to get a neighbor- hood park of 3 to 5 acres. The Secretary reported there are a couple areas in the City where the developer has requested to donate land rather than pay fees, but the City has declined to accept dedication of land because it was either such a small area or landlocked. The Secretary stated tha the Commission must decide if it wants fees or dedication or parks and trails and make a recommendation to Planning and they will put in the proper wording and terminology. Chairman Wilberding suggested that a definition of park and recreation facilities and what it includes should be in the Subdivision Ordinance. Also that under Section 3.9-4, page 30, paragraph 3 be deleted from the ordinance. The Commission decided to review the Subdivision Ordinance and make definite recommendations at the next Commission meeting on October 21. In the meantime, the Secretary will check with the City of Pleasanton and the County Park and Recreation District on their park and recrea- tion fee and ordinance in regards to new and developing subdivisions. B. DISCUSSION OF PARK BOND ISSUE The Secretary reported to the Commission that a decision has to be made PARK BOND ISSUE as to whether we are going for a park bond issue and what would be in- cluded in it. Chairman Wilberding questioned when the school tax increase and library bond issue is going to be held. The Secretary will find out, but the park bond issue will probably not be any sooner than November of 1975. The Secretary stated the only time the City of Saratoga has gone for a bond issue was for parks in 1968, and it was defeated. Chairman Wilberding questioned how badly the park bond issue was defeated. Commissioner Rose believed by 50%, but the Secretary will check and re- port at the next meeting. A 2/3 vote is needed. The Secretary stated the key to a good bond issue is what is included, such as Iiakone, trails, parks, etc., and exactly where the money is going. The only money in this years budget for development is the retaining wall at Wildwood, and there is no development planned for 1975-76. Right now the cost of developing 1 acre is approximately $50,000. The Commission decided that a bond issue is necessary and study sessions should be held to gather some facts, determine how much money we should go for, and how it should be spent. Also, a citizens committee should be started to help raise money. The Secretary stated that if many parks are going to be developed, maintenance costs must be figured because the operating budget must increase. The Commission has accomplished alot in 6 years and this will stand in alot of peoples minds, whereas in 1968 the Commission had just been formed. Also there is a greater need for parks now. The Commission decided to make the next meeting on October 21 a two issue meeting on the Subdivision Ordinance and the Park Bond Issue only. -2- COMMISSION - MINUTES - OCTOBER 1974 - continued IV. COMMITTEE AND STAFF REPORTS A. COMMITTEE REPORTS 1. RE: HAKONE REVIEW COMMITTEE The Secretary reported that the two viewing arbors are very unsafe and dangerous and the committee is recoimnending that they be taken down. Mr. Terry has recommended that pictures be taken so that they can be put back together correctly, and salvage what they can. The hill is sliding 1 inch per year according to the building and survey people, so all structures must be put on 5 to 6 feet of cement to keep them from sliding. The City has received some estimates on the termite problem and it runs about $12,000. This includes replacing posts, excavation, fumigation of infestation, and replacement and repairs underneath. A topographic plan was found and a plan will be made by a member of our Planning Department including trails of the Hakone area. B. STAFF REPORTS 1. RE: COMMUNITY FENCE PROJECT - BROOKGLEN PARK The Secretary reported that the last two Saturday's have been spent building fences and staff will be topping off the posts and fence for eveness and community volunteers will be applying more stain. There was tremendous help by the residents, and the Secretary will report to the Council the total volunteer manhours spent to show how successful it was. Chairman Wilberding questioned when the Commission could expect the utility poles. Commissioner Carlson will check and inform the Commission at the next meeting. V. COMMUNICATIONS 1. RE: FOOTHILL FAMILY - FACULTY CLUB The Secretary reported that she would be attending a meeting with the Foothill Family -Faculty Club on October 16 to discuss co-development. She will find out their ideas and discuss with the Commission to deter- mine if revision of the City plans should be considered. 2. RE• TRAILS AND PATHWAYS PRELIMINARY PLAN, SANTA_CLARA COUNTY The Secretary distributed the Trails and Pathways Preliminary Plan to the Commission to review and make any recommendations if needed. This plan would allow the City to connect with other surrounding cities for a complete trail system. 3. RE: SANTA CLARA VALLEY WATER DISTRICT The Secretary stated that a movie "Water Too Little and Too Much" is available, with a speaker on the subject, through Santa Clara Valley Water District, and thought it might interest the Commission to see and hear this. The Commission decided to schedule it at one of the meetings between now and the end of the year. VI. ADJOURNMENT There being no further business before the Commission, the meeting adjourned at 9:45 p.m. Respectfully submitted, Barbara Sampson, Secretary -3-