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Parks and Recreation Manager Jenny Shain presented the staff report.
Councilmember Hamilton confirmed with Manager Shain that the school district has not yet declared Peterson as surplus.
Councilmember Moylan asked Manager Shain if the City has checked to see if
Mid-Peninsula Open Space District would want to partner with the City. She stated there is general policy under the regional approach that states the City should partner with all agencies. She stated that legislation for school district property disposal tells them who they can offer the property to and Mid-Peninsula Open Space District is not one of them, rather it would be Santa Clara County Open Space District.
Councilmember Chu asked Manager Shain to restate the Stevens Creek Trail clarification and explain where in the document it was located.
Councilmember Chu stated that it was his understanding from the public that they were encouraging one or two access points to the Mountain View Trail from the Sunnyvale side (not part of the trail but an entrance to the trail).
Assistant City Manager Robert Walker stated that issue could be studied if Council wished, but that it was separate from the issue of extending the creek. He stated that Council’s decision in 1994 would not preclude Council’s ability to study the access points.
Councilmember Chu asked Manager Shain where the language that she has suggested for the new policy would be added. Manager Shain stated it would be added under the Regional Approach within the Open Space and Recreation Sub-Element, page 46.
Denise DeLange spoke in regard to amendments to the plan. She stated she did not see any recommendation to preserve open space not owned by the City nor any mention of attempting to acquire land at below market value when possible. She suggested language to be added to Section A, Item 8 (page 44) in the plan that says, “acquisition of excess school property and acquisition of existing undeveloped open space”. Also Item 9 on page 44 to be changed to read, “Insure that all open space and recreational decisions address ongoing maintenance needs” and Section D, Item 13, page 47 she would like the word “serious” to be stricken from that sentence. Ms. DeLange would like to see an additional item added to the prioritization that states, “Give priority to acquire open space at below market value” as item 15.
Tap Merrick stated his request to have Peterson Middle School included in the Open Space and Recreation Sub-Element of the General Plan.
Bob Kinder, Parks and Recreation Commissioner, stated the Parks and Recreation Commission has recommended that the Moffet Field reference be included, because it is federal land not private land and involves two cities, not just Sunnyvale. He also stated that the Commission voted to delete the word “closed” from the section about pursuing school sites.
Councilmember Chu asked Mr. Kinder if the recent change to the Stevens Creek Trail was discussed among the Commissioners. Mr. Kinder stated that it was and that they agreed with staff.
William Lewis spoke in favor of the Peterson field inclusion in the Open Space and Recreation Sub-Element of the General Plan.
Martin McGrath spoke in favor of the Peterson field inclusion in the Open Space and Recreation Sub-Element of the General Plan. He stated that Raynor Park which is near Peterson is smaller and not accessible for walking.
Councilmember Moylan asked Mr. McGrath if he was stating that areas of the city without sidewalks have a greater need for open space, whereas areas with sidewalks do not have as great of a need. Mr. McGrath confirmed that was accurate.
Councilmember Hamilton asked staff about the statement by Mr. McGrath that there would not be a large cost to the City for maintaining the field as she stated that she remembered the cost to be approximately $60,000 annually.
Assistant City Manager Walker stated that the actual cost is higher and in excess of $200,000.
Ian Prickett, former member of Peterson Field Advisory Committee, stated that he wished to correct some figures. Mr. Prickett stated that the cost of purchasing the space would be discounted if it were included in the Open Space Sub-Element because it would then be qualified as open space and the purchase price would 16.5 million instead of 24 million for the 8 acres. He also stated that $200,000 for maintenance was for 24 acres not 8 acres. Mr. Prickett continued to speak in favor of including the Peterson field in the Open Space and Recreation Sub-Element of the General Plan with at the very least consideration of taking over and running the fields as a park.
Councilmember Chu asked staff if there had been an offer from the school district for the City to operate the space as a park.
Assistant City Manager Walker stated that an offer has been in place informally for several years. He stated the City previously did program the fields for the district, but stopped due to the fields being a liability. He stated that the fields were not kept up and at times were hazardous. Assistant City Manager Walker stated the Santa Clara Unified School District would still like the City to maintain the fields for them.
Councilmember Chu confirmed with Assistant City Manager Walker that the cost to maintain the fields would be based on how many acres the City decided to assume.
Werner Gans, Steve Garrity, Ken Jorgensen, Tim Adams, Brad Wetmore, Yvonne Satariano, Brooks Shaw, and three other members of the public, who did not fill out speaker cards, spoke in favor of the Peterson field inclusion in the Open Space and Recreation Sub-Element of the General Plan.
An additional member of the public, who did not fill out a speaker card, spoke to the protection of the wildlife and human environment at the field and to save the open space.
A member of the public, who did not fill out a speaker card, stated that he has looked at options for the City to keep the area as open space. He stated that he had contacted Pacific Nursery in Mountain View and they stated they would be interested in leasing the land to grow trees.
Roger Barnes, Business Administrator for Santa Clara Unified School District, stated that it is the district’s position for the City to purchase the property. He also stated that the Board wanted to give the City first choice. He stated that they have not declared anything as surplus yet and when they do the amount of acreage could vary. Mr. Barnes stated that there is a list of agencies that the District must use and the City is listed first to be offered this property.
Councilmember Chu asked Mr. Barnes to continue with his comments.
Mr. Barnes stated that the City would have to determine that there is not adequate land in the area to service their needs before the district listed the property as surplus in order to qualify for receiving one-third of the land at a reduced price.
Mr. Barnes stated the cost of turning the entire twenty-four acres into useable space is two million and then would have a yearly maintenance fee of $200,000. He stated the cost of eight acres would be a portion of those fees.
Mr. Barnes stated that the School District does not allow any use of the field due to liability and neighborhood issues.
Mr. Barnes stated that if they don’t sell the field, one option would be to allow a soccer alliance to take over the field in which they would maintain and monitor the field.
However, Mr. Barnes stated that the School District’s main goal was to have the City take over the parcel.
Councilmember Chu asked Mr. Barnes to describe the major problems they have had with the field.
Mr. Barnes stated that the major problem has been with the users of the field as they block neighbor’s driveways, leave trash on field, roads and neighbors yards, and are noisy. He stated the District attempted to work with the organizations that used the field but to no avail. He also said they are unable to water the field on a year-round basis due to the lack of water pressure and they are unable to maintain the field.
Councilmember Chu confirmed with Mr. Barnes that they have technically withdrawn public use of the field.
Councilmember Hamilton confirmed with Mr. Barnes that there is not a set date to surplus the property.
Councilmember Hamilton asked Mr. Barnes if he was interested in only youth sports using the field and he confirmed that was accurate due to the issues that occurred with the adult leagues in the past.
Councilmember Hamilton asked Mr. Barnes if he was aware of a study issue that Council will be considering in the spring to study an improvement district in that area and Mr. Barnes said he was not aware of the study issue.
Mr. Barnes stated that there is the ability for the residents to form a Recreation District where they would tax themselves to maintain the property.
Councilmember Moylan stated that the Council is not deciding on Peterson Field at this meeting and asked Mr. Barnes if there were any modifications he would propose to adoption of the Open Space and Recreation Sub Element. Mr. Barnes stated that he did not have any proposed modifications.
Tap Merrick stated that Peterson field did not have any restrooms and only one trash can which was never emptied.
Vice Mayor Lee closed the Public Hearing at 8:59 p.m.
Councilmember Spitaleri asked staff if Council approved the Sub-Element would that preclude any further discussions or actions on Peterson field.
Assistant City Manager Walker stated that the existing study issue is for community exploration of any interest in forming a type of Improvement District. He stated that if Council does not add an extra key initiative or policy to the existing sub-element, then staff would not pursue anything additional at Peterson field.
Councilmember Chu asked Assistant City Manager Walker where he would add the statement of “acquiring open space when feasible” to the Sub-Element. Assistant City Manager Walker stated that Section A Open Space would be an appropriate place for an additional policy.
Councilmember Chu moved and Councilmember Moylan seconded to approve: Alternative No. 1: Adopt the Negative Declaration and approve the revised Open Space and Recreation Sub-Element to the Community Development Element by Resolution. This alternative incorporates the changes recommended by the Planning Commission. This alternative does not incorporate the change to Policy A3 as recommended by the Parks/Recreation and Arts Commissions, but instead reads: Pursue the acquisition of appropriate federal lands currently located at the former Moffett Naval Air Station and to include the following additions:
Councilmember Moylan offered a friendly amendment to be added on Page #47- under the Access Section:
- Manage the City’s swimming pools (including the Fremont Pool) to maximize public access during daylight summer hours.
Councilmember Chu stated that he agrees with the friendly amendment but would not accept it because this motion was made after closure of the Public Hearing and the public did not have an opportunity to comment on this proposal.
Councilmember Moylan offered a friendly amendment to be added on Page #47- under the Access Section:
- Manage access by performing arts groups to the Community Center’s Theatre so as to allow production quality that is competitive with performances at venues in nearby cities.
Councilmember Chu stated that he agrees with the concept of the friendly amendment but would not accept it because this motion was made after closure of the Public Hearing and the public did not have an opportunity to comment on this proposal. He stated he would be happy to co-sponsor study issues on both items so they can be incorporated as amendments at a future public hearing.
Councilmember Howe suggested that staff come back to Council to indicate whether both items are appropriate for study issues or can be handled in another manner.
Assistant City Manager Walker stated that information would be included in an upcoming Friday report from the City Manager.
Motion carried 6-0 with Mayor Swegles absent.
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