Mountain View Parks and Recreation Commission And

MOUNTAIN VIEW PARKS AND RECREATION COMMISSION AND
URBAN FORESTRY BOARD
REGULAR MEETING
WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 9, 2002
LIBRARY, 585 FRANKLIN STREET
7:00 P.M.

I. CALL TO ORDER

II. ROLL CALL—Ronit Bryant (Chairperson), John Inks, Laura Macías, Tom Means, Ed Mussman II

III. MINUTES APPROVAL

Minutes for the December 12, 2001 meeting has been delivered to Commissioners and a copy posted on the Community Center bulletin board. If there are no corrections or additions, a motion is in order to approve these minutes.

IV. HERITAGE TREE BOARD MINUTES APPROVAL

Minutes for the December 12, 2001 Heritage Tree Board meeting has been delivered to Commissioners and a copy posted on the Community Center bulletin board. If there are no corrections or additions, a motion is in order to approve these minutes.

V. ORAL COMMUNICATION FROM THE PUBLIC

This portion of the meeting is reserved for persons wishing to address the Commission on any matter not on the agenda. Speakers are limited to three minutes. State law prohibits the Commission from acting on nonagenda items.

VI. APPROVAL OF AGENDA

If there are no changes to the order of the items, a motion is in order to approve the agenda.

VII. OLD BUSINESS

A.  2002 Workplan

Background: This item has been continued from December 2001 meeting. Included in the Commission agenda packet is a revised 2002 workplan which reflects input received at the December meeting. The Commission will note staff is suggesting that some items be moved to a different part of the calendar year in an effort to:

1) reflect the amount of work that will be required on the part of staff to research and/or prepare the item

2) better balance staff workload(s)

Those item(s) identified with an asterisk will require Council approval before they move forward as they represent a significant investment of staff time and resource.

Recommendation: Review and approve the 2002 Workplan.

VIII. URBAN FORESTRY BOARD

A. Heritage Tree Appeal: 1054 Morton Court

Background: An application to remove one Cedar tree was received from property owners Janice and Edson Kerswill on March 15, 2001. The removal reasons listed on the application states that the Cedar sheds sap, pollen during the year and that the Kerswill's would like to replant with a flowering Cherry Tree and make a planting area.

Forestry Division staff reviewed the tree and did not find sufficient reason to allow removal of the Cedar tree under the Heritage Tree Ordinance's Removal Condition criteria. A decision to deny removal of the Cedar tree was posted on November 7, 2001.

An appeal filed by Edson Kerswill was received on November 16, 2001. The appeal letter states that the tree damaged their neighbor's driveway, constantly produces shade keeping the yard muddy, poses a constant source of debris (pitch, needles and pollen ) and is difficult for them to cleanup.

Included in the Board's packet is a report from the Forestry Division Manager, which provides further information.

Recommendation: Deny appeal.

IX. NEW BUSINESS

A. Election of Officers

Background: Commission by-laws require an annual election of a Chairperson and Vice Chairperson.

Recommendation: Nominate and elect a Chairperson and Vice Chairperson for 2002.

B. Hetch-Hetchy Trail, Project 02-07

Recommendation: On April 10, 2001, the City Council approved the implementation of the Hetch-Hetchy Trail project between N. Whisman Road and Easy Street. On December 6, 2001, a Neighborhood Meeting was held to present the schematic design of the trail and obtain input from residents.

Included in the Commission's agenda packet is a staff report which provides further background information on this item.

Recommendation: Approve the schematic design for the Hetch Hetchy Trail between Whisman Road and Easy Street and recommend its' approval to the City Council.

C. Recreation Element

Background: During preparation of the Parks and Open Space Plan 2001, the Commission expressed a desire to also prepare a Recreation Plan. Such a plan would more specifically address recreational uses and facilities throughout the City. In order to facilitate an initial discussion by the Commission regarding a Recreation Plan, staff will provide sample plans obtained from other California cities.

Recommendation: None.

D. Recreation Element

Background: During preparation of the Parks and Open Space Plan 2001, the Commission expressed a desire to also prepare a Recreation Plan. Such a plan would more specifically address recreational uses and facilities throughout the City. In order to facilitate an initial discussion by the Commission regarding a Recreation Plan, staff will provide sample plans obtained from other California cities.

Recommendation: None.

E. Centennial Committee Appointment

Background: At the November 14, 2001 meeting, the Community Services Director stated the Commission would need to select a Centennial Celebration Committee liaison since the former liaison, is no longer on the Commission. The Commission requested that the selection occur at the January, 2002 meeting at which time there would be five Commissioners present.

Recommendation: Appoint a representative for the Centennial Celebration Committee.

IX. COMMISSION/STAFF COMMENTS, QUESTIONS, COMMITTEE REPORTS

No action will be taken on any questions raised by the Commission at this time.

X. ADJOURNMENT

AGENDAS FOR BOARDS, COMMISSIONS AND COMMITTEES

·  The specific location of each meeting is noted on the notice and agenda for each meeting which is posted at least 72 hours in advance of the meeting. Special meetings may be called as necessary by the Commission Chair and noticed at least 24 hours in advance of the meeting.

·  Questions and comments regarding the agenda may be directed to Jayne Matsumoto at (650) 903-6331.

·  Interested persons may review the agenda at the Mountain View Community Center (201 South Rengstorff Avenue) Mountain View Library (585 Franklin Street) and City Hall (500 Castro Street) beginning the Friday evening before each regular meeting.

·  SPECIAL NOTICE-Reference: Americans with Disabilities Act, 1990 Anyone who is planning to attend a meeting who is visually or hearing-impaired or has any disability that needs special assistance should call the City Manager's Office at (650) 903-6301 48 hours in advance of the meeting to arrange for assistance.

·  The Board, Commission or Committee may take action on any matter noticed herein in any manner deemed appropriate by the Board, Commission or Committee. Their consideration of the matters noticed herein is not limited by the recommendations indicated herein.

ADDRESSING THE BOARD, COMMISSION OR COMMITTEE

·  Interested persons are entitled to speak on any item on the agenda and should make their interest known to the Chair.

·  Anyone wishing to address the Board, Commission or Committee on a nonagenda item may do so during the "Oral Communications" part of the agenda.