MINUTES
parks and Recreation Commission
NOVEMBER 9, 2005
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 Chair Lawson presiding.
ROLL CALL
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Commissioners
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Chair Robert Lawson
Vice Chair Robert Locke |
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Commissioner Howard Chuck |
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Commissioner Bob Kinder |
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Commissioner Richard Oliver |
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Staff Present: |
David Lewis, Director of Parks and Recreation |
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Cathy Merrill, Assistant to the Director |
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Curtis Black, Parks Superintendent |
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Scott Morton, Recreation Supervisor |
CONSENT CALENDAR
1.A. Approval of Draft Minutes from Regular Meeting of October 12, 2005
Vice Chair Locke moved, Commissioner Chuck seconded, to approve the October 12, 2005, Parks and Recreation Commission minutes. The motion passed unanimously 5-0.
None
PUBLIC COMMENTS
None
PUBLIC HEARINGS/GENERAL BUSINESS
2. Neighborhood and Community Services Presentation
Ms. Linda Kim, Manager, Columbia Neighborhood Center, presented an overview of the Neighborhood and Community Services Division, Office of the City Manager. She responded to Commissioners’ questions regarding neighborhood and community services.
3. Draft RTC – Explore the Feasibility of Installing a Memorial for Sunnyvale Citizens and Employees Who Have Given Their Lives on Behalf of the City or Their Country – Study Issue (Council Action 12/13/05)
Parks Supervisor Scott Morton presented the staff report. He reviewed the existing memorials, criteria for the proposed memorial, and the six different options for the proposed memorial.
Supervisor Morton answered Commissioners’ questions regarding the primary reasons why staff recommends the proposed memorial as detailed in Option 5, Plaza del Sol “C”; he said cost, location, and amenities at the site are the principal reasons for recommendation. Commissioners asked if it was possible to find another organization or business to sponsor a memorial. Supervisor Morton said no one has offered to sponsor a memorial. Chair Lawson asked if the proposed memorial was a “service memorial” or “war memorial.” Staff responded that it would be a memorial for Sunnyvale residents and City employees who gave their lives in the line of duty for the City or country. Superintendent Black explained a Budget Issue Form.
There being no one in the audience wishing to speak, Chair Lawson opened and closed the Public Hearing.
Commissioner Kinder moved, Vice Chair Locke seconded, to recommend that Council accept staff’s recommendation Alternative No. 5, Direct staff to prepare Budget Issue forms to be considered along with all other projects and programs in the City Manager’s proposed budget for FY 2006/2007 for the design and construction of a memorial as detailed in Option 5, Plaza del Sol “C.” The motion passed 3-2, with Commissioners Lawson and Oliver opposed.
Commissioner Kinder said Option 5 was cost effective and preferred the Plaza del Sol as the location of the proposed memorial.
Vice Chair Locke likes the idea of one memorial in a public location in keeping with fiscal mindedness.
Commissioner Oliver prefers to use the existing site in Option 2 Community Center which involves lower cost and room for future expansion. He expressed concern that over time there might be too many memorials in the City.
Chair Lawson prefers, as his first choice, the Community Center location for the proposed memorial, and Plaza del Sol location as his second choice. He said at the Community Center location, the public is more contemplative and the plaque is more likely to be read. There might be more public at Plaza del Sol, but it is a busy location and not as contemplative.
4. Draft RTC – Develop Exclusive Use Permit Policies for Sunnyvale Parks and Open Spaces – Study Issue (Council Action 12/13/05)
Parks Superintendent Curtis Black presented the staff report. Commissioners asked about revenue generated by exclusive use permits. Superintendent Black responded that there might be approximately six to eight exclusive use requests and Plaza del Sol might become more popular after Phase II is completed.
There being no one in the audience wishing to speak, Chair Lawson opened and closed the Public Hearing.
Vice Chair Locke moved, Commissioner Oliver seconded, to recommend that Council accept staff’s recommendation Alternatives 1 and 2.
1. Approve areas designated as available for Exclusive Use Permits along with their current uses, capacities and time lines as outlined in Attachment C, Exclusive Use Permit Guidelines and as detailed within Municipal Code 9.62.120.
2. Designate Plaza del Sol as available for special event Exclusive Use Permits.
The motion carried unanimously 5-0.
5. Draft RTC – Third Amendment to Agreement between City of Sunnyvale and Cupertino Union School District, and Cupertino Schools Public Facilities Financing Corporation of May 16, 1989 – to allow for Free School District Use of Picnic Areas in Sunnyvale Parks (Council Action 12/13/05)
Assistant to the Director Merrill presented the staff report. She noted that there was an incorrect date of November 1 on page 2 of the agreement. She said the agreement would be revised to reflect the correct date of February 1; if the Commission recommended the agreement, it would be the agreement with the correct date. Commissioners had no questions.
There being no one in the audience wishing to speak, Chair Lawson opened and closed the Public Hearing.
Vice Chair Locke moved, Commissioner Kinder seconded, to recommend that Council accept staff’s recommendation Alternative No. 1, Approve the Third Amendment to Agreement between City of Sunnyvale and Cupertino Union School District, and Cupertino Schools Public Facilities Financing Corporation of May 16, 1989 – to allow for Free School District Use of Picnic Areas in Sunnyvale Parks and authorize the City Manager to enter into said Agreement. The motion carried unanimously 5-0.
6. Draft RTC – Second Amendment to Agreement between City of Sunnyvale and Santa Clara Unified School District of June 14, 1994 – to Allow for Free Use of Picnic Areas in Sunnyvale Parks (Council Action 12/13/05)
Assistant to the Director Merrill presented the staff report. She noted that there was an incorrect date of November 1 on page 2 of the agreement. She said the agreement would be revised to reflect the correct date of February 1; if the Commission recommended the agreement, it would be the agreement with the correct date. Commissioners had no questions.
There being no one in the audience wishing to speak, Chair Lawson opened and closed the Public Hearing.
Commissioner Kinder moved, Vice Chair Locke seconded, to recommend that Council accept staff’s recommendation Alternative No. 1, Approve the Second Amendment to Agreement between City of Sunnyvale and Santa Clara Unified School District of June 14, 1994 ― to allow for Free School District Use of Picnic Areas in Sunnyvale Parks and authorize the City Manager to enter into said Agreement. The motion carried unanimously 5-0.
7. Commission Presentations to Promote Parks and Recreation Services and Programs (requested by Chair Lawson)
Chair Lawson explained his idea that the Commissioners would voluntarily take turns to give a presentation regarding features of a park or a recreation program to promote these facilities and services during Council meetings. Commissioners would develop the subject matter and work in teams of two to compose script and ask for advance staff review to make sure the information is accurate. Chair Lawson said community members might not be aware of facilities or programs available to them. Discussion followed. Commissioners Kinder and Chuck think it is a good idea as long as it is voluntary.
There being no one in the audience wishing to speak, Chair Lawson opened and closed the Public Hearing.
Commissioner Kinder volunteered to join Chair Lawson to meet and develop a format for this project.
NON-AGENDA ITEMS AND COMMENTS
COMMISSION
Commissioner Oliver said he plans to have lunch at the Senior Center soon and hear comments regarding the new lunch vendor and senior programs.
Discussion followed regarding lunch reservations at the Senior Center and number of people having lunch there.
Commissioner Locke reminded Chair Lawson that four reports go before Council on December 13, 2005. Chair Lawson will represent the Commission, with Commissioner Locke as back-up. Chair Lawson asked if anyone had no desire to go to Council meetings and share Commission’s recommendations. Commissioner Chuck said that he is currently not available on Tuesday evenings, and it would be a scheduling problem for him.
Chair Lawson added that his comments at the last Commission meeting regarding diversity were not to imply that something was wrong and apologized if his comments sounded that way.
STAFF
Assistant to Director Merrill corrected her staff report regarding the waiting period for the Council policy governing the naming/renaming of parks and recreation facilities. She said that Council voted to eliminate the waiting period, and she will send the correct wording in her next staff report. Chair Lawson noted it was Assistant to Director Merrill’s first mistake this year. She corrected him noting it was the second mistake (both tonight), but she was hopeful to have all her errors out of the way by December!
INFORMATION ONLY ITEMS
ADJOURNMENT 8:45 p.m.
Commissioner Kinder moved, Commissioner Locke seconded, to adjourn the meeting at 8:45p.m. The motion passed unanimously 5-0.