MINUTES
parks and Recreation Commission
REGULAR MEETING
NOVEMBER 14, 2007 

The Sunnyvale Parks and Recreation Commission met in regular session in the Council Chambers, 456 W. Olive Avenue, Sunnyvale CA 94086, at 7 p.m. with Chair Kinder presiding.

CALL TO ORDER / SALUTE TO THE FLAG

Chair Kinder called the meeting to order at 7 p.m. and led the salute to the flag.

ROLL CALL

CONSIDERATION OF ABSENCE - None

PUBLIC ANNOUNCEMENTS

Chair Kinder announced a change in the order of agenda items. Agenda items 2 and 3 will be considered in reverse order.

CONSENT CALENDAR

1.A.  Approval of Draft Minutes from Regular Meeting of the Parks and Recreation Commission on October 10, 2007.

MOTION:  Commissioner Oliver moved and Vice Chair Colvin seconded to approve Item 1.A. as presented.

VOTE:  Passed 5-0.

STAFF RESPONSES TO PRIOR PUBLIC COMMENTS - None

PUBLIC COMMENT - None

PUBLIC HEARINGS/GENERAL BUSINESS

2.  Revision of Hollenbeck School Open Space Master Plan to Accommodate Revised Challenger School Student Drop-off Driveway (Council Action 12/4/07)

Superintendent Black presented the staff report.

Commissioners’ questions were answered regarding traffic control, speed control, basketball court restripping, pathways on site, southbound and northbound traffic, ability of traffic to enter driveway, and driveway capacity.

The public hearing was opened.

Mr. Mounteer, Challenger School representative, said the driveway loop should accommodate approximately 90 cars, and the goal is to take as many cars off the public street as possible. He also noted the school plans to replace an existing playground with new equipment and stated the importance of keeping as much open space available as possible; therefore, the walkway is included in the new proposed driveway. The graded area will be restored with grass and landscaping. He said notices about the new student drop-off driveway will be sent to families, and school personnel will not allow students to be dropped off on Hollenbeck Ave.

Dr. Ben Picard, Deputy Superintendent, Sunnyvale School District, said he believes the partnership between the City of Sunnyvale and the Sunnyvale School District provides excellent parks and open space opportunities for the entire community. He said the Sunnyvale School District Board of Education voted on October 18, 2007, and gave unanimous approval to Challenger School’s student driveway drop-off plan.

Mr. Ed Fong, member of the public, lives near Challenger School. He said he never thought traffic was very bad; he was able to get through traffic without a problem because other drivers were courteous and allowed him access. He said there is a very short time period when there are “90 cars,” and school personnel manage to get the traffic moving in a short timeframe. His concern was the change to two lanes, after the City Council requested one lane, and no one in the neighborhood was notified of the change. He questioned the public input process.

In response to Chair Kinder, Mr. Fong said he was aware of the public meeting; however, no one noted during the public meeting of the change in plan to switch from one lane to two lanes. Mr. Fong questioned the worth of the change from one lane to two lanes to alleviate traffic that is present for such a short period of time.

At Chair Kinder’s request, Dr. Picard answered additional questions regarding public meetings and testimonies.

At Chair Kinder’s request, Mr. Mounteer responded to additional questions regarding the reasoning to change from one lane to two lanes of traffic.

The Commissioners’ questions were answered to their satisfaction.

The public hearing was closed.

MOTION:  Commissioner Harms moved and Commissioner Chuck seconded to recommend that Council accept staff’s recommendation, Alternative No. 1: Approve the revised Master Plan for Hollenbeck Park open space to include the proposed driveway.

VOTE:  Motion passed unanimously 5-0.

3.  Determine Whether to Continue Agreement with Santa Clara County for Operation of Sunnyvale Baylands Park past 2011 (Study Issue) (Council Action 12/4/07)

Superintendent Black provided an overview of the report.

Commissioners asked questions regarding the fiscal impact. In response to Commissioners, Superintendent Black said the City, County and State originally jointly purchased the play equipment; the current agreement indicates that now the City would pay for the play equipment replacement. It was confirmed by Superintendent Black that the $550,000 operating funds would not cover play equipment replacement; it would only cover maintenance. Superintendent Black said the play equipment is planned to be replaced in FY 2010/2011; but, pending response from this report, staff may be requested to develop Capital Improvement Projects (CIPs) to replace play equipment sooner.

In response to Commissioners’ questions, Superintendent Black noted the largest picnic areas have the heaviest use. There is a vehicle fee to enter the park, and the revenue goes to the Recreation Division.

Questions were also asked regarding the off season, security at the park which does not have parking lot lighting, and radio-controlled units for the irrigation system.

Commissioners asked if there was value to hire an appraiser to estimate the value of the land. Superintendent Black noted it could be something for the Commission and Council to consider. He said that Park Dedication fees can be used for park infrastructure as well as for purchase of new park land.

Commissioners asked if the $40,000 revenue generation was a negative cash flow. Superintendent Black explained that this is typical. Golf courses make money, but most facilities do not generate more revenues than their operating costs.

Commissioners asked if other cities in Santa Clara County promote this site. Superintendent Black noted specific user groups in Sunnyvale and Santa Clara County, Association of Bay Area Governments (ABAG), and birdwatcher groups promote the park as part of their regular programs.

The public hearing was opened. There were no public testimonies and the public hearing was closed.

MOTION:  Commissioner Oliver moved and Chair Kinder seconded to recommend that Council accept staff’s recommendations, Alternatives 1, 2 and 3.

1.      Council directs staff to negotiate a long-term extension to the written agreement with Santa Clara County dated April 15, 1986, for the maintenance and operation of Sunnyvale Baylands Park at current service and funding levels.

2.      Council directs staff to seek a preferred length of term of an extension to the written agreement with Santa Clara County dated April 15, 1986, for the maintenance and operation of Sunnyvale Baylands Park.

3.      Council directs staff to prepare capital project papers to meet the potential infrastructure needs of Baylands Park for their review along with all other capital and infrastructure considerations in FY 2008/2009.

VOTE:  Motion passed unanimously 5-0.

NON-AGENDA ITEMS AND COMMENTS

COMMISSION

Chair Kinder reminded Commissioners about the Parks of the Future Study Session that is scheduled with the City Council on November 27, 2007, at 5:30 p.m. in the West Conference Room.

Commissioner Harms will represent the Commission at the December 4, 2007, Council meeting to present Commission’s recommendations on the two reports reviewed this evening.

Chair Kinder asked if there would be a need for the Commission to meet in December. Superintendent Black replied that the Master Plan for Stocklmeir School might be ready in time for the December 12 meeting.

STAFF

None

INFORMATION ONLY ITEMS

• Staff Liaison Report
• List of organizations that provide call care services and/or home visits to seniors who are homebound in the Santa Clara County area
• Roster of Elected and Appointed Officials (for general distribution) 10/07
• Miscellaneous Items of Interest

ADJOURNMENT

Chair Kinder adjourned the meeting at 8:10 p.m.

ks