MINUTES
SUNNYVALE PARKS AND RECREATION COMMISSION
AUGUST 11, 2004 

 

The Parks and Recreation Commission met in regular session in City Council Chambers, 456 West Olive Avenue, Sunnyvale, CA on August 11, 2004, at 7 p.m. with Chair Arnett presiding

 

ROLL CALL

 

Present:

Chair Jeff Arnett

 

Vice Chair Raymond Pole

 

Commissioner Howard Chuck

 

Commissioner Robert Lawson

 

Commissioner Robert Locke

 

 

Staff Present:

Robert Walker, Director

 

Cathy Merrill, Assistant to the Director

 

Scott Morton, Parks Supervisor

Others:

Nellie Durand, Sunnyvale Garden Club President

 

SCHEDULED PRESENTATION  None

         

 

PUBLIC ANNOUNCEMENTS

STUDY SESSION

The Parks and Recreation Commission met in a study session regarding “Develop Plaza Naming Contest Methodology” in the West Conference Room of City Hall, 456 West Olive Avenue, Sunnyvale, CA on August 11, 2004, from 6-7 p.m.

 

CONSENT CALENDAR

 

1.A. Approval of Draft Minutes (Regular Meeting of July 14, 2004)

Commissioner Lawson moved, Commissioner Locke seconded to approve the July 14, 2004, Parks and Recreation Commission minutes.

 

Motion carried unanimously 5-0

CITIZENS TO BE HEARD

 

Chair Arnett opened the meeting for Public Appearances.  There were none and the Public Appearances was closed.

 

PUBLIC HEARINGS/GENERAL BUSINESS 

 

2. Draft RTC - Agreement between City of Sunnyvale and Sunnyvale Garden Club for Use of the Sunnyvale Heritage Center Multi-Purpose Building, Garden Building and Storage

 

Ms. Merrill presented the staff report.

 

Staff responded to the Commission’s questions regarding published rates, consistency and fiscal impact in the equitable exchange of services the City receives and the benefit the groups receive, conflicts in use of City facilities and sizes of garden plots.  Director Walker noted the Sunnyvale Garden Club is small and not in a position to operate a nursery or Community Gardens.

 

Chair Arnett opened the floor the Public Hearing. 

 

Ms. Nellie Durand from the Sunnyvale Garden Club gave an overview of her group which had been Co-Sponsored by the City for many years.  She noted that the Jr. Garden Club is a part of Sunnyvale Elementary School science program; the annual Garden Produce Show is held for schools at the end of May; and the new program, “Container Gardening” classes, is currently under development and will be offered to the public as part of this agreement.

 

In response to Commissioner Lawson, she identified the location of the ten 8’x10’ garden plots the club maintains on the map.  Ms. Durand responded to Chair Arnett that he might contact Sunnyvale Middle School or herself regarding the school gardening program.

 

Mr. Scott Morton, Parks Supervisor, stated the Sunnyvale Garden Club is great to work with. He noted the “Bishop Buds” (children from Bishop Elementary School) have gone on Tree Tours with City Staff at City parks.

 

There were no other appearances and the Public Hearing was closed. 

Commissioner Lawson moved, Vice Chair Pole seconded to recommend Alternative No. 1 – Approve the Agreement between City of Sunnyvale and Sunnyvale Garden Club for Use of the Sunnyvale Heritage Center Multi-Purpose Building, Garden Building and Storage for a period of five years.

Motion carried unanimously 5-0

The Parks and Recreation Commissioner commented that the benefits the Sunnyvale Garden Club provide to the community outweigh the cost to the City for the meeting space they use.  The Commission complimented the Sunnyvale Garden Club for the nice work they have done. 

3. Draft RTC - Agreement between City of Sunnyvale and Unique Boutique for Use of Senior Center Room #518

Ms. Merrill presented the staff report.   Staff responded to the Commission’s questions regarding the estimated income and other groups wanting to sell items at the Unique Boutique.

 

Chair Arnett opened the floor the Public Hearing.  There were no appearances and the Public Hearing was closed.

Commissioner Locke moved, Vice Chair Pole seconded to recommend Alternative No. 1 – Approve the Agreement between City of Sunnyvale and Unique Boutique for Use of Senior Center Room #518.

 

Motion carried unanimously 5-0

NON-AGENDA ITEMS AND COMMENTS

  • BOARDMEMBERS OR COMMISSIONERS ORAL COMMENTS

Chair Arnett thanked staff for the advanced review for the Plaza Names.

  • STAFF ORAL COMMENTS None

INFORMATION ONLY ITEMS 

  • Staff Liaison Written Report
  • Project/Issue Status Update
  • Commission Calendar

Ms. Merrill reminded the Commission of the Joint Study Session with the Arts Commission next Wednesday, August 18 at 6 p.m., in the West Conference Room, regarding the Study Issue Process.   Commissioner Lawson suggested a legend be included on the Commission Work Plan/Calendar to better clarify why listed items are bold or highlighted.

  • Final Report to Council (RTC) - Director Walker advised the Commission regarding Council’s recent action to approve the Agreement between City of Sunnyvale and Sunnyvale Community Services for Support in the Delivery of Recreational Services.

Paper Saving Suggestions Discussion followed.  The Commission decided it was not necessary for them to receive a final copy of a draft RTC where the only difference is the addition of the Commission’s action.  However, should a final RTC be substantially modified, then a copy would be appropriate.  It was decided not to change the process immediately but to implement it after a three month period.  Staff will continue to identify Council actions on RTC’s reviewed by the Commission at the Commission meeting to incorporate this information into the minutes; and/or where applicable, staff to include this information in the staff report to the Commission. 

 

It was also suggested by the Commission to circulate various flyers of interest to them at the meetings, rather than duplicate this type of paperwork into their meeting packets.

 

  • Miscellaneous Items of Interest

Director Walker responded to a query from Commissioner Pole regarding an item labeled “Garden Annex” on the map used to designate where the Historical Society Museum will be located.

 

Director Walker responded to questions regarding the spray pools located in the Sunnyvale neighborhood parks.

 

ADJOURNMENT  8:11 p.m.

 

Respectfully submitted,

 

 

 

Cathy E. Merrill

Assistant to the Director

Parks and Recreation Department

 

Reviewed by:

 

 

 

Robert A. Walker

Director

Parks and Recreation Department