MINUTES

parks and Recreation Commission

MARCH 14, 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.

SALUTE TO THE FLAG

CALL TO ORDER

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

ROLL CALL

MOTION:  Chairperson Kinder moved, Commissioner Oliver seconded, to approve Commissioner Lawson’s absence as excused.

VOTE:  Passed 4-0 (Lawson absent).

PUBLIC ANNOUNCEMENTS - None

CONSENT CALENDAR

1.A.  Approval of Draft Minutes from Regular Meeting of January 10, 2007.

MOTION:  Commissioner Oliver moved, and Vice Chairperson Chuck seconded, to approve the minutes from the regular meeting of January 10, 2007.

VOTE:  Motion passed 4-0 (Lawson absent).

STAFF RESPONSES TO PRIOR PUBLIC COMMENTS - None

PUBLIC COMMENT - None

PUBLIC HEARINGS/GENERAL BUSINESS

2.  Draft RTC – Proposals for the Operation of Fremont High School Pool (Council Action 3/27/07)

John Lawrence, Recreation Supervisor, and Jenny Shain, Manager, presented the staff report.

In response to Commissioners’ questions regarding number of other programs operated in this area by YMCA and Santa Clara Swim Club (SCSC), staff said they cannot speak for those two groups and they do not know. Commissioners asked about cost estimates for adding air conditioning units at the pool.

Chairperson Kinder opened the Public Hearing and noted that each speaker is limited to a maximum of three-minutes.

Ms. Holly Lofgren thanked the staff for a thorough report and noted the pool is a source of pride for her. She thanked the community for their support. She referenced the language in the proposal regarding broad use of the pool; she said the pool was intended to be fitness oriented. Ideally, the community would want time for lap swim, masters swim, swim team, open swim, and competitive swim. She is concerned that SCSC’s proposal might not offer as many programs.

Vice Chairperson Chuck inquired as to Ms. Lofgren’s opinion of the current operator of the pool. Ms. Lofgren stated she has her own personal opinion; however, if she states her opinion, due to her role in the community support for the pool, it is often interpreted to mean that she speaks for everyone.

Commissioner Oliver asked Ms. Lofgren’s opinion of California Sports Center’s (CSC) proposal in terms of the criteria set forth in the Request for Proposals (RFP). Ms. Lofgren noted the RFP was better “honed” than the previous RFP. She expressed concern that CSC’s proposal has guaranteed lap swim but not other programs; however, over the past five years, these areas have been addressed. CSC is meeting broader community needs. She is satisfied with CSC’s response to the proposal.

Ms. Evelyn White and her husband are lap swimmers, an exercise that is important to their health. The lap swim schedule works well for them and she hopes CSC continues with the program.

Mr. David Peterson, owner and director of California Sports Center, expressed his desire to continue CSC’s contract with the City to operate Fremont High School Pool.

Mr. Eelco Bergman, president of Sunnyvale Swim Club (SUNN), thanked CSC for their cooperation. He said membership in SUNN has increased. The club’s objective is to maintain use of the pool, and he feels CSC has worked very well with SUNN.

Mr. Stephen O’Neill spoke in favor of staff’s recommendation. He said CSC has done a fine job in managing the pool over the past five years. Both CSC management and City staff have always responded to his concerns.

Mr. Charles Clark is a water polo player and lap swimmer; his daughter takes swim lessons. He stated CSC is doing a good job in managing the pool. There are approximately 40 members in the water polo club and CSC has been very supportive. He recommends that CSC continue operation of the pool.

Mr. Dave Blockus is a water polo team member and is thankful to have an opportunity and a place to play. He supports staff’s recommendation.

Chairperson Kinder closed the Public Hearing and thanked the members of the public for their comments.

MOTION:  Commissioner Harms moved, Commissioner Oliver seconded, to recommend that Council accept staff’s recommendation: Alternative No. 1, City Council directs staff to negotiate an agreement with California Sports Center for operation of the Fremont High School Swimming Pool commencing on September 1, 2007, for a period of eight (8) years with two possible additional extensions of five (5) years each.

No discussion

VOTE:  Passed 4-0 (Lawson absent).

Chairperson Kinder added it is a terrific program and proposal for CSC.

3.  Report to Parks and Recreation Commission: Proposed Sprint Corporation Cellular Antenna Project at Washington Park (Planning Commission Date TBD)

Curtis Black, Superintendent of Parks, presented the staff report. He said the Commission’s recommendation will go forward to the Planning Commission.

Superintendent Black introduced Mr. Corey Alvin, Sprint Corp. representative. Mr. Alvin described the Sprint network in the area noting that this cellular antenna is an integral part of connecting the existing network. He said the equipment will be in a structure to blend in with the bleachers, the pole will be disguised, and landscaping will be integrated into the existing landscape.

Chairperson Kinder noted the trees in the photo are shown as 15’ high. Mr. Alvin responded that the photos show what it will look like in five to seven years.

Commissioners Oliver and Harms asked questions about the location of the wiring, equipment noise, and number of cell sites in Sunnyvale. Mr. Alvin responded that wiring is underground and up the inside of the pole, there will be no equipment noise (generators only), and that five cell sites have been approved in Sunnyvale for improved coverage.

Chairperson Kinder asked Superintendent Black if the wiring is underground and transparent to park users and about the water requirements for the redwood trees. Superintendent Black replied that wiring is underground, and parks staff will continue to use mulch to retain water for the redwood trees, which will not be affected too much by the project.

Commissioner Harms inquired as to the height of the building. Superintendent Black said it is a single story building and referenced the conceptual drawings which give a visual of how the cellular antenna might be placed. He said the building requirements and design details are under the purview of the Planning Commission.

Commissioner Oliver verified the Planning Commission ultimately approves this project. Superintendent Black confirmed it happens in two stages: 1) conceptual plans, and 2) if approved, final detailed specifications.

Chairperson Kinder open the Public Hearing.

Ms. Janet Quong said there was more water for the redwood trees before 1998 when Washington Park was remodeled. Over the years, she has watched the redwood trees becoming more stressed. There is additional concrete and less water for the redwood trees. The proposed building will take more land space and the trees will continue to lose water.

Commissioner Oliver asked Ms. Quong with whom and at what date did she discuss this situation with the Parks Division. She responded that in November 1997 she spoke to Robert Walker, former Director of Parks and Recreation, and Curtis Black and Scott Morton regarding a redwood tree that was removed at Washington Park. She said she has notes regarding her conversations with staff and said staff would plant more trees as the old ones are removed.

Chairperson Kinder thanked Ms. Quong for her comments and closed the Public Hearing.

Commissioner Oliver asked Superintendent Black to provide a response to Ms. Quong’s landscaping concerns. Superintendent Black said that prior to the Washington Park renovation, the irrigation system was not working and old shrubs and plant material were dying. He said he has recently talked with Ms. Quong.

MOTION:  Chairperson Kinder moved, Vice Chairperson Chuck seconded, to recommend that the Planning Commission accept staff’s recommendation regarding this project, Alternatives 1 and 2.

1. Recommend that the Planning Commission approve the proposed cellular antenna project substantially as proposed by Sprint and as noted in Attachment A; and,
2. Recommend that the Planning Commission require the optional cylindrical tube to visually screen the antennas.

VOTE: Passed 4-0 (Commissioner Lawson absent).

Chairperson Kinder thanked Superintendent Black and Mr. Alvin for their reports.

4.  Draft RTC: Determine Location of Restroom Building at San Antonio Park (Council Action 3/27/07)

Scott Morton, Parks Supervisor, presented the staff report. He noted that the labels on Attachments D and E were reversed.

Staff answered Commissioners’ questions regarding open hours of the restroom (6 a.m. – 9 p.m.), size of building (20’ x 12’), construction costs and green building guidelines. Supervisor Morton said the construction cost estimates are based on the market rate. The construction materials are vandal and graffiti resistant to withstand the deterioration that a park restroom building would occur. Staff also confirmed that the building was designed using green building guidelines. Curtis Black, Superintendent of Parks, said the building has already been approved by City Council so the Planning Commission is not required to approve it, but permits will be needed prior to construction.

Chairperson Kinder opened the Public Hearing. There were no appearances and the Public Hearing was closed.

MOTION:  Commissioner Oliver moved, Chairperson Kinder seconded, to recommend that Council accept staff’s recommendation: Alternative 1, Approve the development of construction documents and authorize staff to obtain competitive bids for the construction of a permanent restroom building at San Antonio Park at location #2, as noted on (corrected) Attachment D of the report.

No discussion.

VOTE:  Passed 4-0 (Lawson absent).

5.  2007 Commission Work Plan Calendar Review and Adoption

Assistant to the Director Merrill presented the staff report and reviewed the upcoming 2007 calendar items.

MOTION:  Commissioner Oliver moved, Commissioner Harms seconded, to approve the 2007 Commission Work Plan Calendar.

VOTE:  Passed 4-0 (Lawson absent).

6.  City Park Inspections

There was no staff report. Commissioner Harms requested that this item be placed on the agenda for discussion.

Commissioner Harms inquired about the frequency of park inspections. Superintendent Black said staff inspects park areas on a regular basis while maintaining the park. Park maintenance performance measures state that safety hazards are to be abated within 24 hours. Commissioner Harms inquired if wood play structures are inspected for splinters daily. Superintendent Black replied this is not done on a daily basis but if a hazard is reported, staff will investigate and abate it. Commission Harms asked if the City has an “Adopt a Park” program which could involve the neighbors. Superintendent Black replied that there is not an official program, but the City has numerous volunteers. Supervisor Morton added that the Eagle Scouts contacted the Parks Division for a project to fulfill scouting requirements, and they will be working on the playground equipment at Ponderosa Park.

7.  Senior Lunch Program

There was no staff report. Commissioner Harms requested that this item be placed on the agenda for discussion.

Commissioner Harms said he visited the senior lunch program sites in Santa Clara and Mountain View. The cost was $2. He inquired as to if the cost of the lunch at the Sunnyvale Senior Center could be lowered. Superintendent Steward responded that the senior lunch programs in Santa Clara and Mountain View are nutrition sites which receive federal monies. Sunnyvale Senior Center’s lunch program is a social program, not a nutrition site.

Chairperson Kinder inquired as to the location of the senior nutrition sites. Staff will return to the Commission with the addresses.