MINUTES

parks and Recreation Commission

JANUARY 10, 2007

The Sunnyvale Parks and Recreation Commission met in regular session in the Council Chambers, 456 W. Olive Avenue, Sunnyvale, CA at 7 p.m. with Chairperson Kinder presiding.

CALL TO ORDER

Chairperson Kinder called the meeting to order at 7 p.m.

SALUTE TO THE FLAG

ROLL CALL

PUBLIC ANNOUNCEMENTS

None

CONSENT CALENDAR

1.A.  Approval of Draft Minutes from Regular Meeting of December 13, 2006.

MOTION:  Chairperson Kinder moved, and the motion was seconded, to approve the minutes from the regular meeting of December 13, 2006, with the following change on page 3, item 3, paragraph 5:

“Commissioner Kinder noted there were no other questions and would like to wait until Recreation Superintendent Steward can attend the meeting when the next Recreation Division report is presented to respond to specific questions.”

VOTE:  Motion passed 3-0 (Chuck and Lawson abstained due to absence on December 13, 2006).

STAFF RESPONSES TO PRIOR PUBLIC COMMENTS

None

PUBLIC COMMENTS

None

PUBLIC HEARINGS/GENERAL BUSINESS

2. Report to Parks and Recreation Commission: Proposed T-Mobile Corporation Cellular Antenna Project at Ortega Park

Curtis Black, Superintendent of Parks, presented the staff report describing the proposed project, the benefits to the City’s Parks and Recreation Department, the use of public facilities, and staff’s recommendations.

Superintendent Black introduced Ms. Toriana Henderson, Urban Planning Specialist, representing T-Mobile Corporation. Ms. Henderson gave a more specific description of the design of the cellular antennas on the field lighting pole and said the purpose of the “ray dome” is to conceal the antennas. She called attention to the photographs mounted on the wall showing the existing and proposed cellular coverage, field lighting pole, and storage/scorebooth structure. She said the cellular coverage will improve for T-Mobile users in Sunnyvale. There are plans to remove and replace the storage/scorebooth building and field lighting pole or add another pole. She explained the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) requires line of sight verification with measures to verify the final project does not exceed FCC regulations related to radio frequency (RF) emissions.

Ms. Henderson answered Commissioners’ questions regarding the canister cover for the flat screen panels, if there are similar installations in Sunnyvale, community response to the installation of the cellular antennas, if the T-Mobile cellular antenna installation would preclude another provider from installing at Ortega Park, location of the cellular antenna equipment in a separate room of the new storage/scorebooth building, and equipment noise.

Staff answered Commissioners’ questions regarding code compliance for the new storage/scorebooth building; Planning Division has technical approval and Public Safety has fire code approval. Staff determines and approves how the storage/scorebooth building will be designed as far as color, materials, etc. Superintendent Black said existing items in the building will be replaced with like items, such as shelving. Questions were also asked about the optional cylindrical tube to visually screen the antennas and replacing burned out lights on the field lighting pole.

Chairperson Kinder opened the Public Hearing for comments.

C. C. Huang is retired and at home 24 hrs. per day. He is concerned about microwaves since his house is located close to the cellular antennas. He suggested that the cellular antennas could be located at another park.

Rick Brewster recommended that the City implement a broader plan rather than allow each cellular company to make proposals separately, with or without specific benefits. The relationship between the FCC, their regulations, and long-term impacts of exposure to RF energy is not known at this time. Real estate values may be impacted negatively. He suggested that the City benchmark and compare what other neighboring cities are doing regarding cellular antenna installations. Commissioner Oliver confirmed that Mr. Brewster suggested that the City look at the strength of total signals on all cellular antenna poles in the City, rather than the strength of signals on each individual pole. Mr. Brewster said he thinks the City can do a better job with a plan.

Mark Heuchert spoke in opposition to the installation of cellular antennas in Ortega Park. He would like the park to be used for recreational purposes and not for commercial uses. He believes approval of this project will open the door to installation of more cellular antennas.

Dave Hu said the report indicates there are no other cellular antennas nearby; however, there are several Metro WiFi transmitters. He shares the concern that approval of this project will open the door to installation of more cellular antennas, and he is also concerned with the impact on animals. He said the American Cancer Society indicates there is no conclusive evidence regarding exposure to RF electromagnetic fields.

Ruo Zhang spoke in opposition to the proposal for the safety and health of families who use Ortega Park two times per day. The park is a public place and people won’t use the park if there are cellular antennas located there. Ruo Zhang asked the Commissioners to consider the residents and not the benefits to T-Mobile Corporation.

Richard Chuang said his spouse is president of Ortega Park Neighborhood Association (OPNA). He said 60% of the OPNA members object to the installation of the cellular antennas in Ortega Park. Mr. Chuang stated that, in the next few years, wide band spectrums, wi-fi, cellular antennas, etc. may leave us all short-changed compared to a City-wide plan to look at all related issues and what could bring a benefit to the City.

Chairperson Kinder closed the Public Hearing.

Commissioner Oliver asked about the effects of cumulative RF emissions. Superintendent Black re-emphasized the fact that the City does not have the authority to reject this project based on the environmental effects of RF emissions if they are within the allowable range, but he does not know the answer regarding the effects of cumulative RF emissions.

Commissioner Lawson shares concerns regarding cumulative RF emissions but notes the Telecom Act states that the request cannot be denied based on RF emissions. He is unsure as to why the Commission is asked to review cellular antenna applications and assumes it is because issues related to parks are in the Commission’s jurisdiction. Commissioner Lawson said the City has no say in personal wireless installations but commercial installations are debatable. He said the bigger debate may be from citizens to the FCC and federal regulations.

Commissioner Oliver said he is not a technician and not in a position to respond to RF emissions. Superintendent Black said the Commission can suggest a study issue on RF exposure conditions, if desired. Director Lewis reminded the Commission that every cellular company is aware of gaps in their coverage, and the City has been approached by cellular companies seeking to fill their needs. The City has approved cellular antennas at Braly and Lakewood parks and there are proposed cellular antennas at Ortega and Washington parks. The City has not been approached by two companies to fill a need at the same park; therefore, cumulative impact may not be a concern.

Commissioner Harms asked if other local cities have been surveyed as to how they handle this matter. Superintendent Black responded that a survey was done in 2006 as part of the Report to Council Study Issue: Consider Establishing Council Policies Regarding Commercial Use of Parks, Open Spaces and Recreation Facilities Owned or Maintained by the City. 17 of 18 respondents stated they are doing similar installations in their cities.

MOTION: Chairperson Kinder moved, Commissioner Harms seconded, to recommend that the Planning Commission accept staff’s recommendation, Alternatives 1 and 2.

1.      Recommend that the Planning Commission approve the proposed cellular antenna project substantially as proposed by T-Mobile Wireless and as noted in Attachment A.

2.      Recommend that the Planning Commission require the optional cylindrical tube to visually screen the antennas.

Commissioner Harms spoke in favor of the motion and said Attachment C, page 2 of the report, answers most questions.

Commissioner Lawson said he would vote in favor of the motion; however, he believes the FCC information could be more complete regarding the cumulative effect of RF emissions.

VOTE:  Motion passed 4-1 (Commissioner Oliver dissented)

Commissioner Oliver voted against the motion because he does not feel there is enough information available on cumulative impacts of RF emissions on the community.

3. Recreation Division Report (9/24- 11/18/06)

Nancy Bolgard Steward, Superintendent of Recreation, presented the staff report. She said the purpose of the report is to provide an update of the Recreation Division. The report is not all encompassing, but it highlights significant recreation programs and activities that the Recreation Division offers and celebrates what division staff are accomplishing.

Superintendent Steward answered questions regarding the Senior Center lunch program. Assistant to the Director Merrill reminded Commissioners of the December 19, 2006, Information Only Report to Council regarding Update on the Senior Lunch Program. There was discussion and questions answered regarding outdoor teen concert, Fun on the Run program, concerts at Ortega Park versus Plaza del Sol, Senior Center membership cards and fitness center.

Commissioner Lawson requested criteria the Commission can apply to evaluate parks. Superintendent Steward explained the performance measures which are approved by Council. Commissioner Lawson asked if staff would provide a means to respond to how things are being run in the Parks Division; that is, in a way that is not overwhelming with pages of detailed statistics. Director Lewis responded that the Parks Division plans to present a similar report as the Recreation Division on how things are going in the parks.

NON-AGENDA ITEMS AND COMMENTS

COMMISSION

Commissioner Lawson appreciated Superintendent Steward’s Recreation Division report in that mission and goals are defined.

Commissioner Oliver commended Superintendent Steward on an excellent report. He said the bulleted points gave him a good understanding of what the Recreation Division is all about; other Commissioners were in agreement.

Chairperson Kinder volunteered to bring the Commission’s recommendation regarding the proposed T-Mobile cellular antenna project at Ortega Park to the Planning Commission. Director Lewis said he would inform Chairperson Kinder of the date and time of the Planning Commission meeting.

STAFF

Assistant to the Director Merrill noted that Council’s ranking of 2007 study issues is posted on Council’s web page. Dates the study issues come before Commission will be on their calendar for approval in February.

INFORMATION ONLY ITEMS

·         Staff Liaison Report

·         Roster of Elected & Appointed Officials (general distribution) 12/2006

·         P&R PR Employee Newsletter, 12/2006

·         Miscellaneous Items of Interest

ADJOURNMENT at 8:45 p.m.

Chairperson Kinder adjourned the meeting at 8:45 p.m.

Respectfully submitted,

Cathy E. Merrill

Assistant to the Director
Parks and Recreation Department

Reviewed by,

David A. Lewis, Director
Parks and Recreation Department

ks