PARKS AND RECREATION COMMISSION
REGULAR MEETING AGENDA
Monday, March 22, 1999
Chairperson Stephens called the meeting to order at 7:08 p.m.
Commissioners Present: Carleton, Stephens, Smukler and Thornton. Huang arrived at 7:45 p.m.
Commissioners Absent: None (note: Commissioners Ferguson and Williamson are on excused leaves)
Staff Present: Chernin, Kelekian, Law, McMillan and Mennucci
II. PUBLIC COMMENTS
Diane Tokugawa and Allan Gould: Distributed maps and other information concerning the proposed development of the property contiguous to Live Oak Park on Oxford Street. Temple Beth El owns the property and the speakers expressed concern that the expansion plans would preclude the daylighting of Codornices Creek.
Daniel Caraco: Mr. Caraco was representing the Live Oak Codornices Creek Neighborhood Association (LOCCNA) and also raised concerns about the potential development at the Oxford property. Mr. Caraco encouraged the Commission to place the item on a future agenda and articulate the interests of the Park.
Richard Register: Mr. Register was representing Ecocity Builders and suggested that the transfer of development rights to another location may be a solution to the conflicting needs of the owners and neighbors of the Oxford Street property.
III. APPROVAL OF THE AGENDA
Item XI (Codornices Creek Restoration and Development Presentation) was postponed until the May meeting. Items XVI. d. (January 25, 1999 Minutes), and XVI. e. (February 22, 1999 minutes) were dropped from the agenda.
IV. CHAIRPERSON'S COMMENTS
Chairperson Stephens announced that Jessie Anthony had fulfilled eight years of service on the Commission and was no longer eligible to serve on the Commission. The Chair thanked Mr. Anthony for all his efforts and indicated that he will be missed. Chairperson Stephens introduced and welcomed Ms. Peggy Smukler to the Commission. Ms. Smukler was recently appointed to serve on the Commission by the Mayor. The Chair announced that the People's Park 30th Anniversary Celebration will be held on April 25th and that Cesar Chavez Dog Park was officially opened a few weeks earlier with a leash cutting ceremony.
V. FUTURE AGENDA ITEMS
Commissioners requested that staff relocate future Commission meetings to an alternative location beginning in April. Commissioners requested that the proposed development of the property at 1301 Oxford Street be on the April agenda and that Codornices Creek presentation be rescheduled to the May agenda.
VI. ELECTION OF OFFICERS
Commission Secretary Kelekian acted as chair during the nomination and election of the Chair. Commissioner Carleton nominated Commissioner Stephens for Chairperson; Commissioner Smukler seconded the motion. No other nominations were entered and the Commission unanimously selected Lisa Stephens to continue serving as its Chairperson. Chairperson Stephens reassumed the gavel and opened up nominations for Vice Chair. Commissioner Smukler nominated Commissioner Carleton to serve as Vice Chair; Chairperson Stephens seconded the motion. No other nominations were entered and the Commission unanimously selected Nancy Carleton to serve as its Vice Chair.
VII APPROVAL OF SCHEMATIC DESIGN FOR PRINCE STREET MINI PARK
Landscape Architect, Mark Mennucci, presented the Prince Street Mini-Park schematic design. Mr. Mennucci indicated that the total project budget was $108,500. After discussion, the Commission adopted the following motion:
(M/S/C: Carleton/Smukler) "The Parks and Recreation Commission approves the concept for the tot lot renovations as proposed, and strongly supports the installation of a drinking fountain, pending outcome of future neighborhood meetings and recommendation of the Commission." AYES: Carleton, Smukler, Stephens, Thornton; NOES: None; ABSTAIN: None; ABSENT: Huang. (Motion Passed 4-0-0-1)
Commissioner Huang arrived at 7:45 p.m.
Commissioner Carleton recused herself and left the room prior to the commencement of this item.
The Commission heard a presentation from Architect James Novosel on a proposed downtown housing and open space development at 2161 Allston Way. The item is scheduled to go before the Zoning Advisory Board (ZAB) on March 25, 1999. Mr. Novosel was seeking a letter from the Commission supporting the proposed Allston Oak Court project. Commissioners directed several questions to Mr. Novosel related to the hours open to the public and who determines what "public" will have access to the courtyard. After discussion, the Commission adopted the following motion:
(M/S/C: Huang/Thornton) "The Parks and Recreation Commission supports the concept of the proposed Allston Oak Court project, which creates useable public open space and amenities. The Commission recommends that if the project is approved, the Zoning Adjustments Board establish hours which ensure that the plaza, courtyard and through block walkway are open to the general public as many hours as possible and practical, so that this space will genuinely function as public open space.
The Parks and Recreation Commission would also like to commend the project developer and the architect for including one and one-half percent for art in their proposal as well as preserving the magnificent Oak tree." AYES: Huang, Smukler, Stephens, Thornton; NOES: None; ABSTAIN: None; ABSENT: Carleton –per her recusal.. (Motion Passed 4-0-0-1)
The Commission received a report from consultant, Terry Bottomly. Associate Planner, Deborah Chernin and Landscape Architect, Mark Mennucci also addressed the Commission. It was mentioned that, once approved by the Parks and Recreation Commission, the Conceptual Plan will be subject to environmental review and consideration by the Landmarks Commission. The Concept Design Plan includes numerous features including: new benches and lighting, skate features, chess tables, a low intensity water play area, four swings, a stage set up area on the west side of the Park, chess tables, low flowering shrubs and the restoration of the fountain with turtles. Approximately 43 of the 70 trees in the original design are to be saved and 31 new trees are to be added bringing the new total to 74 trees. There are two options under consideration for the tree-planting plan. The first involves a continuous line of shade trees along the perimeter of the Park. The second option breaks the trees into quadrants, open to the adjacent buildings. After discussion, the Commission adopted the following motion:
(M/S/C: Carleton/Huang) "The Parks and Recreation Commission approves the concept design plan for Civic Center Park as proposed; that the final design return to the Commission for approval, including the final tree plan with suggested species; that the Commission Chairperson and staff are authorized to pursue Wells Fargo Bank’s offer to provide grant money to fund the children’s play features, including bringing the historic stagecoach up to current safety standards if possible." AYES: Carleton, Huang, Smukler, Stephens, Thornton; NOES: None; ABSTAIN: None; ABSENT: Huang. (Motion Passed 5-0-0-0)
The Commission heard a presentation from Ms. Jennifer Burke concerning her proposal to establish a permanent Young Artists Work Space at Totland Park program. Commissioners discussed options and made suggestions about possible methods for funding the program on an ongoing basis. After discussion, the Commission adopted the following motion:
(M/S/C: Huang/Carleton) "The Parks and Recreation Commission commends Ms. Jennifer Burke for her past and planned work with young artists in the community. After reviewing Ms. Burke’s proposal for the Young Artists Work Space at Totland Park, the Commission whole-heartedly endorses her efforts and encourages the City Council to consider, as part of the FY 1999/2000 budget process, allocating some General Fund money, to supplement this worthwhile project. The Parks and Recreation Commission also authorizes the Chair to prepare any letters of support, to potential foundations, which Ms. Burke believes may be helpful in securing grants." AYES: Carleton, Huang, Smukler, Stephens, Thornton; NOES: None; ABSTAIN: None; ABSENT: Huang. (Motion Passed 5-0-0-0)
XI. PROPOSED AMENDMENT TO OAK TREE MORATORIUM FOR VIEW PROTECTION AT THE BERKELEY ROSE GARDEN
The Commission heard a presentation from Mr. Sandy McCoy, from the Friends of the Berkeley Rose Garden, outlining a proposal to amend City ordinances protecting Coast Live Oak trees in order to allow restoration of public views from City parks. After discussion, the Commission adopted the following two-part motion:
(M/S/C: Thornton/Carleton): "The Parks and Recreation Commission adopts the document titled Protection of View Corridors at the Rose Garden, as amended (please see Attachment A). The Parks and Recreation Commission also recommends that the City Council amend Section 1 of Ordinance NO. 6321 – N.S., declaring a moratorium on the removal of Coast Live Oak Trees, to allow the one-time removal of four young Coast Live Oaks for the purpose of restoring or maintaining public view corridors at the Berkeley Rose Garden." AYES: Carleton, Huang, Smukler, Stephens, Thornton; NOES: None; ABSTAIN: None; ABSENT: Huang. (Motion Passed 5-0-0-0)
XII. AMENDMENT TO DEVELOPMENT AGREEMENT BETWEEN CITY OF BERKELEY AND BAYER CORPORATION
Associate Planner, Heather McMillan, outlined the proposed amendment to the agreement between Bayer and the City of Berkeley as well as the findings in the Initial Study. The amendment pertains to changes in land use as well as the projected number of employees who may work on site. Ms. McMillan informed the Commission that on March 24, 1999, the Planning Commission would be reviewing comments about possible impacts of the proposed amendment as well as any requested mitigation measures. Mr. Mark Liolios also addressed the Commission which his observations about the findings of the Initial Study. The Commission reviewed and discussed the proposed amendment(s) to the Development Agreement between the City of Berkeley and the Bayer Corporation. The Commission did not attempt to formally respond to the Initial Study, but rather, outlined broader conceptual points which they felt should be addressed, when the Planning Commission considered and evaluated Bayer’s request to amend the existing agreement. The Parks and Recreation Commission adopted the following motion:
(M/S/C: Carleton/Huang) "The Parks and Recreation Commission requests the Planning Commission, in its review of the amendment to the Development Agreement between the City of Berkeley and the Bayer Corporation, strongly consider the following:
While we have not yet attempted to articulate specific impacts, or analyze the degree of those impacts, on open space and recreational opportunities in the area around the Bayer site, we feel it is reasonable to assume that the addition of up to 600 employees will bring with it increased demands on these resources. Consequently, we question the findings of the Initial Study that could not identify any impact on recreation and parks.
The findings of the Initial Study notwithstanding, the scope and magnitude of the proposed amendment will definitely have an impact on the general quality of life, not only of those individuals living in close proximity to the Bayer site, but also to many residents throughout Southwest Berkeley.
The additional impact on the quality of life in the surrounding community carries with it an obligation to contribute back to the community in a way that will ameliorate the quality of life of those burdened with those impacts. Because open space and recreational opportunities are a cost-effective method of having such an ameliorating effect, the Parks and Recreation Commission recommends that the mitigations include a substantial additional contribution to the area’s parks. Some candidates worthy of consideration include:
AYES: Carleton, Huang, Smukler, Stephens, Thornton; NOES: None; ABSTAIN: None; ABSENT: Huang. (Motion Passed 5-0-0-0)
The Commission reviewed the recommendation of the Parks Subcommittee to remove the metal tower at Indian Rock Park and adopted the following motion:
(M/S/C: Thornton/Huang) The Parks and Recreation Commission approves the removal of tower structure at Indian Rock Park, as soon as possible." AYES: Carleton, Huang, Smukler, Stephens, Thornton; NOES: None; ABSTAIN: None; ABSENT: Huang. (Motion Passed 5-0-0-0)
XIV. FY 1999/2000 PARKS AND WATERFRONT DEPARTMENT BUDGET UPDATE
Commission Secretary, Jay Kelekian, outlined the contents of the proposed Fiscal Year 2000 and Fiscal Year 2001 budget for the Department of Parks and Waterfront, which was recently submitted to the City Manager for consideration. Commissioners had several questions particularly about planned capital improvements, the "retooling" efforts and the proposed staffing changes included in the draft budget. Commissioners requested that future budget discussions address recreation needs in the City.
After a brief discussion, the Commission adopted the following motion:
(M/S/C: Carleton/Thornton) The Parks and Recreation Commission approves the minutes of the September 28, 1998 and October 26, 1998 regular meetings and the January 4, 1999 special meeting." AYES: Carleton, Huang, Smukler, Stephens, Thornton; NOES: None; ABSTAIN: None; ABSENT: Huang. (Motion Passed 5-0-0-0)
XVI. DIRECTORS REPORT
Commission Secretary, Jay Kelekian, briefly answered questions about the I-80 Bicycle/Pedestrian Overcrossing status report contained in the agenda package.
XVII. SUBCOMMITTEE REPORTS
A. Parks Subcommittee Report - Commissioner Thornton updated the Commission on the Subcommittee’s March 15, 1999 meeting. The Commission had already received reports on the Prince Street Tot Lot renovations and the removal of the tower structure from Indian Rock Park. In addition, the Subcommittee received an update on the Aquatic Park play area site preparation and recommended that staff’s proposal to remove hazardous play equipment from Ohlone Park be considered.
B. Tree Subcommittee Report – Chairperson Stephens updated the Commission on the implementation f the EEMP/community tree-planting project. It was reported that all parks in the plan are going ahead with the exception of Martin Luther King Jr./Civic Center Park and Codornices Park.
The meeting was adjourned at 11:00 p.m.
Note: Attachment "A", Protection of View Corridors at the Rose Garden, is incorporated herein as part of these minutes.