Parks and Recreation Commission

City of Sunnyvale Meeting Minutes Parks and Recreation Commission Wednesday, February 10, 2016 7:00 PM Fair Oaks Park Building 540 N Fair Oaks Ave Sunnyvale, CA 94085 LOCATION CHANGE CALL TO ORDER Chair Pasqua called the meeting to order at 7:05 p.m. at the Fair Oaks Park Building. SALUTE TO THE FLAG Chair Pasqua led the salute to the flag. ROLL CALL Present: 4 - Chair Craig Pasqua Vice Chair Ralph Kenton Commissioner Henry Alexander III Commissioner Robert Pochowski Council Liaison Meyering (present) ORAL COMMUNICATIONS Superintendent of Community Services Daniel Wax introduced the new Director of Library and Community Services Cynthia Bojorquez. Deborah Marks provided the Commissioners with an article about cities using vacant areas to add pocket parks and she suggested the City implement this idea as well. City of Sunnyvale Page 1 Parks and Recreation Commission Meeting Minutes February 10, 2016 CONSENT CALENDAR 1A 16-0152 Approval of the Draft Minutes of December 9, 2015 Parks and Recreation Commission Commissioner Alexander III moved and Vice Chair Kenton seconded the motion to approve the minutes of December 9, 2015. The motion carried by the following vote: Yes: 3 - Chair Pasqua Vice Chair Kenton Commissioner Alexander III No: 0 Abstain: 1 - Commissioner Pochowski PUBLIC HEARINGS/GENERAL BUSINESS 2 16-0024 Recommendation on the Relocation of the Butcher House and Update on the Design of the Orchard Heritage Park Improvement Project (Study Issue) Assistant Director of Public Works and City Engineer Craig Mobeck provided the staff report. Commissioner's questions were answered including: 1) how the Butcher House will be used by the Historical Society; 2) the definition of CEQA; 3) the number of trees that would be removed in each of the Alternatives; and 4) who would pay for the retaining wall in each Alternative. Chair Pasqua opened the item for public comment. Charlie Olson spoke about the orchard's history and his support for Alternative 2. Laura Babcock, Director of the Sunnyvale Heritage Park Museum, spoke in support of Alternative 1 which she indicates is the only Alternative that will allow the Historical Society to operate the Butcher House effectively as an annex to the museum. She explained that the Society has the ability to raise funds to move the house. She answered Commissioner’s questions related to the museum operations. Leslie Lawton, President of the Sunnyvale Historical Society, spoke in support of Alternative 1 to preserve the 1912 Butcher House as a Sunnyvale working farm house. She stated the Society doesn't have the docent staff to support the Butcher House in any other location than proposed in Alternative 1. City of Sunnyvale Page 2 Parks and Recreation Commission Meeting Minutes February 10, 2016 Zachary Kaufman spoke in support of Alternative 3. He stated he had supported Alternative 2 as a reasonable compromise and changed to Alternative 3 because the Historical Society is opposed to Alternative 2. He prefers to not move the Butcher House and supports preserving the history of agriculture in this valley. Michael Geribaldi spoke in support of Alternative 3 and felt removing one tree was too many. He stated if the City determined the house to be historical then the developers would be required to build it into their design. Mary Egan spoke in support of protecting the trees in the Heritage Orchard. Karen Ireland spoke in support of protecting the trees in the Heritage Orchard. She stated that she doesn't understand why the museum needs more docents if Alternative 2 was selected over Alternative 1. Vladimir Preysman lives near the Butcher House and stated he was not aware of it and doesn't see its significance. He spoke in support of saving the orchards because the orchard and the fruit are what his children remember from growing up in this valley. Ken Cook spoke against moving the maintenance facilities along Michelangelo Drive because it will obstruct the view from the street and take away land from the current park area. He stated he has concerns about the Historical Society's ability to fund the project. He supports Alternative 4 and suggested to redesign the shed so that it is more aesthetically pleasing without moving it. Irene Preysman spoke in opposition of removing any trees. Martin Landzant spoke in support of Alternative 3. He stated the Historic Preservation Commission should be involved in this review process and that the museum has already received significant benefit from the City. He expressed concern that additional historic houses could be moved to the orchard. Steve Scandalis spoke in support of preserving the orchard. He attended the community meetings which discussed finding the best location for the Butcher House. He stated the jewel of the park is the operating orchard and considers the museum to be secondary. He suggested the Butcher House could be preserved at another location if needed. Nan Mehan spoke in support of Alternative 2 or 3 and is opposed to removing any City of Sunnyvale Page 3 Parks and Recreation Commission Meeting Minutes February 10, 2016 trees. She stated the cost to put the house in the back of the property (Alternative 1) is much more expensive then Alternative 2. Janet Hamma spoke in support of Alternative 2. She stated she has toured the Butcher House and her assessment is that it is not especially large or distinctive and it needs a lot of work. She stated the last remaining orchard has more significance and value than the Butcher House. She suggested if we want to commemorate the Butchers, we could name a street or park for them. Joe Shane spoke against moving the Butcher House and supports Alternative 2 if the house is moved. He is opposed to removing any trees. There were no further comments and Chair Pasqua closed the Public Hearing. Vice Chair Kenton inquired if the Historical Society would consider modifying the size of the Butcher House to make it fit without removing trees. Chair Pasqua asked about the footprint size of the museum and the Butcher House. Commissioner Alexander III moved, and Commissioner Pochowski seconded, the motion to approve Alternative 2 - Direct staff to move forward with CEQA evaluation of the proposal to relocate the Butcher House to the lawn area and acknowledge that a future budget modification with the construction contract award will be required to provide funding for drainage improvements (re-grading and valley gutter) behind the existing multi-purpose building. The costs of CEQA compliance will be borne by the Historical Society. Commissioners discussed the ramifications of the Historical Society’s position to support only Alternative 1, and the possibility of Council working with the Historical Society to accept Alternative 2. They discussed whether the City is interested in saving the Butcher House and the possibility of naming it as a historical landmark. Vice Chair Kenton and Chair Pasqua disclosed that they visited and toured the museum prior to the Commission meeting. They discussed the cost of moving the house; how long it will take the Historical Society to raise the funds; and if it might cause delays to the builder at Butcher's Corner. Commissioners discussed the need for the retaining wall and related costs. Commissioner Pochowski proposed a friendly amendment to advise Council that the Commission strongly feels Alternative 2 is the best location, and to direct staff to make Alternative 2 work for the Historical Society. If unable to come to an agreement then accept Alternative 1 due to the orchard and the historical significance of the structure. Commissioner Alexander III declined the friendly City of Sunnyvale Page 4 Parks and Recreation Commission Meeting Minutes February 10, 2016 amendment. The motion carried by the following vote: Yes: 2 - Commissioner Alexander III Commissioner Pochowski No: 1 - Chair Pasqua Abstain: 1 - Vice Chair Kenton Commissioners provided the rationale for their vote. Commissioner Alexander III stated he didn't see public support to move the Butcher House. While he supports the Heritage Society, he believes there is a possibility of permanently losing more trees than estimated. Commissioner Pochowski supports preserving the orchard and the architecture. He stated his opinion that Alternative 2 is the proper location to move the Butcher House, and he stated that he hopes Council can work with the related parties to find a solution. Chair Pasqua stated he has faith that the Historical Society can raise the funds, and while he understands the concern for the trees, he supported Alternative 1 because he understands how the Butcher House is part of our history and we are slowly losing that history. Vice Chair Kenton abstained because he is uncertain of the best solution as he supports saving the trees and also can appreciate saving the house. Chair Pasqua agreed to represent the Commission at the Council meeting on March 15. A question regarding the outcome of the vote was raised and Chair Pasqua called a recess to allow staff to verify the result of the vote. Following the recess, Chair Pasqua reconvened the meeting with all Commissioners present and the Commission considered agenda item 3. Following action on agenda item 3, staff confirmed the vote on agenda item 2 passed. 3 15-1095 Agreement Renewal with Sustainable Community Gardens for Property Located at 433 Charles Street Superintendent of Parks and Golf Jim Stark presented the staff report. He answered Commissioner's questions related to the term of the agreement. Chair Pasqua opened the public hearing. Eric Fulda, the Community Garden Coordinator, thanked the City for the privilege to City of Sunnyvale Page 5 Parks and Recreation Commission Meeting Minutes February 10, 2016 use the land. He spoke about the efforts to market and improve the Community Garden program and about the challenges of managing a non-profit without a long term commitment from the City. He asked Commissioners to support Alternative 2. Janet Hamma spoke about the benefits of the Charles Street Garden. She supports Alternative 2 and gave reasons why a renewable one year agreement would be a burden to their volunteer operation. There were no further comments and Chair Pasqua closed the public hearing. Vice Chair Kenton asked why staff recommends Alternative 1, and if the Garden were to be displaced due to the modernization project, would the City offer an equivalent size plot for the Garden? Commissioner Alexander asked about the length of other City agreements. Commissioner Pochowski motioned and Chair Kenton seconded the motion to approve a modified version of Alternative 2 - Approve renewal of the agreement with Sustainable Community Gardens for the operation and maintenance of the Charles Street Gardens with modification of a 5 year term with 180 day opt out provision. The motion carried by the following vote: Yes: 4 - Chair Pasqua Vice Chair Kenton Commissioner Alexander III Commissioner Pochowski No: 0 Commissioner Alexander supported a five year agreement because the group has a strong history with the City and this will provide the group more security. He stated the agreement with the proposed opt out clause would serve the same purpose as a renewable one year agreement and will avoid extra paperwork. Vice Chair Kenton agreed and also stated that the modernization project will take a number of years so there is enough time to move the garden if needed. 4 16-0153 Approve Draft 2016 Work Plan Superintendent Wax provided information about the draft work plan. Chair Pasqua opened the public hearing. There were no speakers and he closed the public hearing. City of Sunnyvale Page 6 Parks and Recreation Commission Meeting Minutes February 10, 2016 Commissioner Powchoski moved, and Commissioner Alexander III seconded, the motion to approve the Work Plan. The motion carried with the following vote: Yes: 4 - Chair Pasqua Vice Chair Kenton Commissioner Alexander III Commissioner Pochowski No: 0 STANDING ITEM: CONSIDERATION OF POTENTIAL STUDY ISSUES Commissioners presented no study issues. Chair Pasqua opened public comments. Martin Landzaat suggested a study issue to build a teen center. He suggested to include a study of other cities and identification of the best location for a teen center in Sunnyvale. There were no further comments and Chair Pasqua closed public comments. Commissioners discussed the current options for teens in the City. Vice Chair Kenton moved, and Commissioner Pochowski seconded, the motion to support the Study Issue to consider a teen center in Sunnyvale. The motion carried by the following vote: Yes: 4 - Chair Pasqua Vice Chair Kenton Commissioner Alexander III Commissioner Pochowski No: 0 NON-AGENDA ITEMS & COMMENTS -Commissioner Comments Vice Chair Kenton welcomed Director of Library and Community Services, Cynthia Bojorquez. -Staff Comments Superintendent Stark made the following announcements: - The Study Issue #16-07 (Golf Course Land Use Options and Opportunities) was dropped by Council. City of Sunnyvale Page 7 Parks and Recreation Commission Meeting Minutes February 10, 2016 - The auxiliary restroom project at Fair Oaks is underway. The master plan will be reviewed for design and construction next year. - Playgrounds will be replaced at Orchard Gardens, Braly, and Fairwood Parks. - Park Buildings will have modifications at Washington, Raynor, Ponderosa and DeAnza. - Consultants are working on the design for Washington Swim Center. - Parks Division is working on park maintenance, refurbishing benches and insuring irrigation is functioning properly. Vice Chair Kenton inquired about the vendor proposals to operate the restaurant at the Sunnyvale golf course. Superintendent Stark announced KemperSports, a large sports management company, was selected from five proposals. KemperSports best demonstrated they had the ability and track record, and could fund the needed upgrades at the Sunnyvale Golf Course Restaurant. Vice Chair Kenton announced he had received a letter from Gilbreth Partners and asked if he needed to reply to the vendor. Superintendent Stark explained that staff also received a letter and will respond as needed. Superintendent Wax made the following announcements: - The recreation activity guide is available and a new summer camp guide will be developed this year. Guides will be sent to all residents and are also available online. - The second annual camp fair will be held on February 28 at the Library Program Room. - The Sunnyvale Theatre hosts Mulan Jr. and Rumpelstiltskin this month. ADJOURNMENT Chair Pasqua adjourned the meeting at 9:34 p.m. City of Sunnyvale Page 8