MINUTES
parks and Recreation Commission

MAY 10, 2006

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 Lawson presiding.

SALUTE TO THE FLAG

ROLL CALL

PUBLIC ANNOUNCEMENTS

Tap Merrick, Chairperson of the “Save Peterson Field Committee,” announced the May 11, 2006, Santa Clara Unified School District (SCUSD) Board Meeting to discuss the status of Peterson Middle School fields.

CONSENT CALENDAR

1.A.  Approval of Draft Minutes from Regular Meeting of April 12, 2006

Vice Chairperson Locke moved, Commissioner Oliver seconded, to approve the April 12, 2006, Parks and Recreation Commission minutes. The motion passed unanimously 4-0, with Commissioner Lawson abstaining since he was absent from the April 12, 2006 Commission meeting.

STAFF RESPONSES TO PRIOR PUBLIC COMMENTS

None

PUBLIC COMMENTS

None

PUBLIC HEARINGS/GENERAL BUSINESS

2.  Report to Parks and Recreation Commission – Proposed Cingular Wireless Cellular Antenna Project at Lakewood Park (Recommendation to Planning Commission)

Parks Superintendent Black presented the staff report and stated the Commission would give their recommendation to the Planning Commission. Superintendent Black answered Commissioners’ questions regarding concerns about the replacement antenna pole and changing or replacing park lighting, if there were any other pending Cingular Wireless projects in the parks, and access to the athletic field during the construction project.

Superintendent Black introduced Mr. Luke Stamos, Cingular Wireless, AT&T. Mr. Stamos gave a brief overview of the demands for wireless equipment in residential areas. He said the neighbors were notified of the project, and a few neighbors expressed concerns about security and the new snack shack (provided by Cingular Wireless, AT&T) that will house the cellular antenna equipment.

In response to Commissioner Oliver, Mr. Stamos said the snack shack would not include a restroom. In response to Vice Chairperson Locke regarding downtime for the tower when changing lights, Mr. Stamos said Cingular Wireless contracts with a large electric company so there would not be downtime. He also emphasized that there are no health issues associated with towers.

There were no further questions of Mr. Stamos.

Chairperson Lawson opened the Public Hearing.

Mr. Tap Merrick, Sunnyvale resident, said a contract, if approved, would be in place and eventually Cingular Wireless would recover costs. It would be great if Cingular Wireless would then share a percentage of the profits with the City.

Chairperson Lawson thanked Mr. Merrick for his comments and closed the Public Hearing.

In response to Vice Chairperson Locke, Superintendent Black said the contract is in the process of being developed but that the typical contract length is 20 years.

Commissioner Kinder moved, Commissioner Chuck seconded, to recommend Alternative No. 1, that the Planning Commission approve the proposed cellular antenna project as proposed by Cingular Wireless. The motion passed unanimously 4-0, with Chairperson Lawson abstaining because he would like to wait until there is a broader policy in place that states criteria for installing cellular antennas in Sunnyvale parks.

Commissioner Kinder noted that revenue to the Community Recreation Fund is a good idea and getting a new snack shack is very positive. Commissioners Chuck and Locke agreed.

3. Draft RTC – Study Issue: Preliminary Findings to Explore Neighborhood Options for Purchasing Property at Peterson Middle School Site (Council Action 5/30/06)

Chairperson Lawson emphasized that Council made it clear that the City will not purchase, renovate, or maintain the property at Peterson Middle School; the study issue is limited to help neighbors look at the options.

Assistant to the Director Merrill presented the staff report. Staff answered Commissioners’ questions regarding purchase and maintenance costs.

Chairperson Lawson opened the Public Hearing.

Mr. Charles “Chuck” Kluz, Vice President, Sunnyvale Alliance Soccer Club, supports the option to broker relationships between the sports leagues and Santa Clara Unified School District (SCUSD). He requested that the City back the effort to keep the Peterson fields for Sunnyvale league use, seeing that other groups from outside the City are also pursuing agreements with SCUSD.

Ms. Denise DeLange, Sunnyvale resident, appreciates the City’s willingness to work with residents and keep the land as open space.

Mr. David Natwick, Board Member, Sunnyvale Alliance Soccer Club, believes the cost quoted for maintenance of fields is too high based on the club’s experience. The City’s backing is needed to support the youth sports groups’ use of the fields.

Mr. Robert Martinez, Sunnyvale Alliance Soccer Club, is in favor of the City working with the youth sports groups and keeping the open space.

Mr. Ian Prickett, Sunnyvale resident, Peterson Advisory Committee member, would like the City to consider an agreement with the Santa Clara Unified School District (similar to the agreement with the Sunnyvale School District). He suggested that the City sell Butchers Corners and use the revenue to purchase Peterson fields.

Mr. Dave Werling, Silicon Valley Girls Softball League, would like more athletic fields available for league use.

Ms. Evelyn Dixon, Board Member, Sunnyvale Alliance Soccer Club, would like an opportunity to increase open space for youth.

Ms. Dixie Richards, Sunnyvale Pop Warner, said their home field is Peterson field and hopes that the Commission will keep youth league needs in mind as a decision is made.

Ms. Tamra Van Steenburgh, Sunnyvale resident associated with Sunnyvale Alliance Soccer Club, appreciates what the Commission can do to help meet the need for more athletic fields.

Mr. Tap Merrick, Chairperson of the “Save Peterson Field Committee,” requested that the City consider whatever they can do to coordinate agreements with Santa Clara Unified School District to maintain the Peterson fields.

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

Vice Chair Locke moved, Commissioner Kinder seconded, to recommend that Council direct staff to cease continued work on this study should the Santa Clara Unified School District (SCUSD) determine prior to November 14, 2006, that it will not declare any portion of the property at Peterson Middle School as surplus property. (November 14, 2006 is the date staff was scheduled to return to Council with the final version of this study.) The Commission further recommended that Council direct staff to explore the options to broker a relationship between the SCUSD and local sports associations and the options identified under Private Funding in greater detail and return to Council with more information regarding the feasibility and requirements of those options. The motion passed unanimously 5-0.

Vice Chair Locke said he would like to see open space preserved and appreciates Council’s direction for staff to look at options for the neighborhood.

Chair Lawson agreed that open space should be preserved, and he supports Council’s direction to assist the neighborhood and sports groups.

4. July is Parks and Recreation Month

Assistant to the Director Merrill said the California Parks and Recreation Society (CPRS) encourages cities to support “July is Parks and Recreation Month.” The Commission agreed that they would like to request a Council Proclamation to this effect.

NON-AGENDA ITEMS AND COMMENTS

COMMISSION

Commissioner Kinder thanked Parks staff for the great job they did in preparing the athletic fields for use after the recent heavy rains.

Commissioner Chuck said the Sunnyvale Historical Society museum groundbreaking will be Saturday, September 30, 2006, and that the SHSMA received a $600,000 grant from the state of California..

Chairperson Lawson will attend the May 30, 2006, Council meeting and present the Commission recommendation regarding Peterson fields and a “Park It” script.

STAFF

Assistant to the Director Merrill noted the Park Charter Amendment was endorsed by Council.

Director Lewis announced that Mr. Scott Russell has been selected as the new Parks Supervisor. The new Recreation Supervisor recruitment is in the reference check phase.

Director Lewis announced the summer recreation classes are filling up quickly. Increased marketing efforts have put this year’s class registration ahead of past years in terms of revenue and people served. Increased marketing efforts included schools and ad time at two movie theatres to broadcast Sunnyvale parks and recreation programs.

INFORMATION ONLY ITEMS

·         Staff Liaison Written Report

·         Miscellaneous Items of Interest

ADJOURNMENT at 8:25 p.m.

Chairperson Lawson adjourned the meeting at 8:25 p.m.