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HomeMy WebLinkAbout09-19-2005 Approved Special Mtg PCSC & HCAC MinutesCITY OFDUBLIN JOINT MEETING OF THE PARKSAND COMMUNITYSERVICES COMMISSIONAND HERITAGE AND CULTURAL ARTS COMMISSION MINUTES OF: SEPTEMBER 19, 2005 The joint meeting of the Parks and Community Services Commission and the Heritage and Cultural Arts Commission was called to order at 7:00 p.m. at the Dublin Civic Center, Dublin, California. Chairperson Georgean Vonheeder- Leopold of the Heritage and Cultural Arts Commission was appointed to conduct the meeting. Pledge ofAlleriance Chairperson Vonheeder-Leopold led the Pledge of Allegiance. Roll Call Parks Commissioners Present: Flores, Muetterties, Guarienti, Jones, Cain and Hart Heritage Commissioners Present: Acuff, Lussie, Halket, Vonheeder-Leopold, Mack and Fasulkey Absent: White Oral Communications - None Approval of Minutes - None Written Communications -None Public Hearinz - None Unfinished Business - None New Business 8.1 Dublin Historic Park Master Plan Alternatives Parks & Community Services Director Diane Lowart reported that one of the City Council Strategic Goals for 2004-2005 is to "Expand and enhance Dublin Historic Park". In order to accomplish this goal, the City contracted with Royston Hanamoto Alley and Abey to develop a site master plan. The purpose of the master plan is to develop .long-term options for the development of the Dublin Historic Park which may include acquisition of the Dublin Square Shopping Center and expansion of the cemetery on to the land owned by the Dublin Historical Preservation Association. The master plan will take into consideration the adjacencies of these two properties to the existing Dublin Heritage Center and look at the site as a cohesive whole. In addition to design options, the master plan will also include costs related to property acquisition, design and construction, and operation. Lowart indicated that it is the goal of tonight's meeting that each. Commission determine a preferred alternative for recommendation to the City Council. If the Commissions have modifications that they would like to see made to the preferred alternative, Staff will communicate that to the City Council as part of the recommendation. Council will receive the presentation from the Consultant Team along with the recommendations of the Commissions at the October 4, 2005 meeting of the City Council. Lowart introduced Aditya Advani, R.H.A.A., who outlined the consultant's work on the project to date, which included site analysis, identification of opportunities and constraints, studies of precedent projects, a review of local history at the site and three preliminary concept plan alternatives. Steve Spickard, E.R.A., presented site acquisition and development costs for all three plan versions, plus costs for a cemetery expansion across the creek from the current cemetery. Commission Questions Cm. Lussie asked if historically appropriate materials or materials that were ADA compliant would be used for the pathways in the park. Advani stated that the park needs to be ADA compliant, so materials that allowed for that would be used. Although stabilized decomposed granite, which best approximates historic materials provides a stable surface for wheelchairs, its use may not be allowed under current regulations. In general, hard surfaces would be used. Minutes — September 19, 2005 Joint Meeting of Heritage and Cultura_ . irts Commission and Parks and Communit, services Commission Page 2 of 5 Cm. Flores asked if the cemetery expansion will have a turn -around for vehicle access. Advani stated that a turn around can be created. Cm. Muetterties asked what kind of trees will be in the orchard area. Advani stated that historically the trees in the orchard were walnut, but since they are very messy, they will work with the City's maintenance department to find the best kind. Cm. Mack asked how many burial sites will be included in the expansion. Advani stated that they did not include the number in the power point presentation. Cm. Vonheeder-Leopold pointed out that on Page 3 of the Staff Report, it specifies 115 grave sites and 2,100 columbarium niches. Cm. Guarienti asked if the ranch style playgrounds will be different in size. Advani stated they would definitely be different in size. Cm. Guarienti asked what would be the difference in square footage between the larger and smaller playgrounds. Advani stated that it would be about half the size of the one shown on the diagram. Cm. Guarienti felt that it would be a good idea to have a large ranch style playground for the older children and a smaller one for the younger children. Advani stated that they haven't got into that much detail, however it would be ideal to have a playground for different age groups. There is space south of the schoolhouse that we may be able to accommodate another playground. Cm. Cain asked if the creek ever overflows. Advani replied that he does not know. Someone from the audience stated that the creek there is in the 100 year flood plain. Cm. Muetterties asked if any thought has been given to putting in a windbreak to protect against the prevailing westerly winds. Advani stated that there currently is no provision in the design for a windbreak, however the suggestion will be noted. Cm. Mack asked if there is a percentage of historic or artistic essence that is planned for this project. For example would 25% be historically correct and 75% artistic. Advani stated that historical configuration of the space was a hotel on the corner of Dublin and Donlon and behind it was an orchard. Prior to 150 years ago there was nothing there other than the settlement of Native Americans. As proposed, a gateway into the historic part of the site is being created and markers or panels with imagery. People can walk through the panels, learning about the past and present of Dublin. Cm. Fasulkey stated that in keeping with that, will there be or can areas be created to put permanent art perhaps along the pathways. Advani stated that if the art was within the historical theme of the park, yes it could be possible. Cm. Fasulkey asked if there will be any kind of decorative fencing placed around the entire park. Advani stated that there are no plans for a fence around the park at this time. Cm. Lussie asked if there will be enough parking if the site is going to be used for events. Advani stated that in the half and one-third site schemes there would be 30 parking spaces, enough to accommodate just those people coming to the park. The full site scheme would have enough parking for events and there would also be parking available along Donlon Way. The City could also attempt to make arrangements with the adjoining businesses to use their parking areas. Cm. Acuff stated that one artist that was interviewed for another project, created a series of handprints of all the various people who had lived in and settled in the Dublin area. That kind of thing might be appropriate for this park. Public Comment Herman Bonasch, 11453 Rampart Drive, stated that he has been a resident of Dublin for almost forty years. At the previous meetings they spoke about some of the ancestry of Dublin, specifically Ireland. He asked if this ancestry has been incorporated into the plans. Advani replied, yes. There will panels or walls that would cover four periods of ancestry. Mirn.ites — September 19, 2005 Joint Meeting of Heritage and Cultura. _arts Commission and Parks and Communit, services Commission Page 3 of 5 Debbie White, 6766, Onyx Place, stated that she has lived in Dublin for twenty years and was involved with the Heritage Center for about ten years. The Heritage Center is very special to her. People don't even know that it is there. She felt that if everything could not be done all at once, that it be done in stages. The historic corner area should be as big and beautiful as possible. Sue Hagan, 6572 Donlon Way, stated that she has a couple of concerns. She is not sure why the cemetery is being included in the Dublin historic plan. She felt that it should be a separate proposal. Also if there is a sound wall installed and it ends where it is planned to end, living right there and also conducting business there, would subject her living and business space to noise and dust. She felt that the idea of a park on the corner is beautiful and really enhances the area. She is concerned that the owners don't want to sell their land. Perhaps the City can work something out with the owners so that everyone can be happy. Lisa Tromovitch, .847-B Division Street, Pleasanton, stated that she is the Artistic Coordinator of the Valley Shakespeare Festival. She thanked and commended Mr. Advani and City staff. The process has been great, the meetings well conducted and everyone's ideas seem to have been incorporated. The design is amazing and exciting. The combining of the history, art and landscaping is just very good. Steve Lockhart, 4592 Pheasant Court, stated that he is the President of the Dublin Historical Preservation Association. D.H.P.A. thought about something like this about 10 years ago. A wonderful job has been done. The Parks and Heritage Commissions have a unique opportunity to undo what the county did to us before we were a city. This is a great piece of work where we can put back now parkland, historic land, a much needed cemetery, all the things that Dublin really needs. One of the great things about this particular plan is'that it lends itself to the phasing processes. This is the Commissions opportunity now to not shirk your duties and go for the whole banana. Let's give Dublin its history back. Chair Vonheeder-Leopold stated that the Commissions are charged with coming up with a recommendation to the City Council as to which of the alternatives is preferred. The Heritage Commission will provide input first. Heritaae and Cultural Arts Recommendations Cm. Acuff agreed with Steve Lockhart that we need to do the full site scheme. She is concerned about the interests of the landowner who may object to our usurping his land. She wondered if it would be possible to trade land with the landowner for a site that is more appropriate for their needs, thereby opening up this particular space for the City. It is the heart of Dublin's history and we really need to try to acquire it. Cm. Lussie stated that she supports the full site scheme. She is concerned about whether we do a half or partial site and whether or not the City can acquire those private businesses to be in confirmation with the historical district. She thinks it would lend itself to the full site. She would also be in favor of additional parking. Cm. Halket stated that she supported the full site scheme. If we take the partial site, we would never have the chance again to develop such a large piece of land. If needed, we can develop it in phases. She is also concerned that if the land was not acquired, what would go in behind it may compete visually with what we are trying to do. Cm. Fasulkey stated that she supports the full site scheme. She is concerned in respect to the homeowner and the sound wall, sensitive to the needs of the landowner. She would be in favor of a land swap if possible. Cm. Mack stated that she supports the full site scheme, in phases, just in case we want or need to make changes. She is concerned with the landowner. What they want should be taken under consideration. Chair Vonheeder-Leopold stated that she supports the full site scheme. The property acquisition cost is listed as $6 million, but it may be considerably more. Hopefully we will not have to go through eminent domain proceedings. We have a chance to do something wonderful for the City of Dublin and we should do whatever is necessary to get it done. There is a lot of work to do and it needs to be done at the City Council level. Minutes — September 19, 2005 Joint Meeting of Heritage and Cultura. _ ,rts Commission and Parks and Communit, ,ervices Commission Page 4 of 5 ON A MOTION BY CM. ACUFF, SECONDED BY C M. MACK AND BY UNANIMOUS VOTE, THE HERITAGE AND CULTURAL ARTS COMMISSION RECOMMENDS TO THE CITY COUNCIL THAT THE ENTIRE SITE BE ACQUIRED FOR THE FULL SITE SCHEME FOR THE DUBLINHIS TORICPARK. Chair Vonheeder-Leopold turned the meeting over the Chair Flores for the Parks and Community Services Commissions input. Parks & Community Services Recommendations Chair Flores stated that she is deeply concerned about the issue of eminent domain. She asked Lowart as to where the City is with Berkeley Farms. Have we talked to them as to acquiring the property? Lowart stated that the City Manager has been in contact with the property owner. The owner has ideas as to what they would like seen done with the property. The City Council did entertain a proposal from the property owner last month to look at a joint housing/park site. The Council turned it down. Cm. Burr asked if there are some long term commitments in that shopping center. Lowart stated that there is a long term lease on the bank. We would need to investigate these kinds of issues further as part of the next phase of the project. There are some tenants that are currently in the shopping center that we would need to look at as to how they would be affected. Cm. Hart stated that she supports the full site scheme. The plan for the full site is beautiful and Dublin really needs something like this. Cm. Guarienti stated that Option 1 has every thing. His preference would be Option 2 because he likes the playground, restrooms and the lawn area. If it were a phased operation, you would need a separate restroom to support the Heritage Center and the school. He is really torn between Option 1 & 2. If the property was cut in half, Option 2 would be perfect because it takes care of the historical needs. He would hate to see waiting another ten years to get through property issues, etc. He is not against going for the full site scheme, if we can acquire the property to do it. Cm. Cain stated that based on some of audience input, he feels that we really need to separate the expansion of the cemetery from the park; the cemetery expansion should be a separate issue. The cultural arts center is also a separate entity. If we accept Option 1, it would require the acquisition of the entire shopping center. We can't buy half now and half later. We either get it all now or we lose it. We need to look at the project as a phased project. He favored the full site scheme as far as the acquisition of the total program. Cm. Muetterties stated that she supports the full site scheme. Cm. Jones stated that he supports the full site scheme. He is concerned about the cost. Our first step should be to buy the land. It is the opportunity for the City of Dublin to do something now. He hopes that the City works with the businesses to relocate them. Also we should extend the sound wall to the landowner's property adjacent to the site. The Heritage Center is one of the neatest places in town and lot of people don't know its there. We have a chance to do something now and should go for it. The City Council has a big job ahead of them. Chair Flores stated that she supports the full site scheme. She is very mindful of the Hagan property and feels that the sound wall should be extended to their property. The Hagan's have been very good community members and she would really want to respect their property rights. She agrees with Cm. Guarienti with going with the phases in Option 1 and moving the playground. However agrees with Steve Lockhart, that we need to go for the whole banana. Cm. Guarienti asked now much of a chore would it be to move the playground in Option 1 to the location in Option 2 and include a restroom building in Option 1. Advani stated that both schemes could work. Relocating a restroom building in this particular project would not be easy. There is no real good place for it, but we can probably find another location. Portable restrooms can be moved from one place to another. He pointed out that there is a possibility of archaeological resources through the whole site. This logic led him to believe it was best to leave the building where it was. Minutes — September 19, 2005 Joint Nteeting of Heritage and Cultura. _ ,rts Commission and Parks and Communit, ervices Commission Page 5 of 5 Chair Flores asked for clarification that we are in a conceptual phase at this time. Advani replied, yes. If the phasing turned out that we developed the eastern side before we develop the western site, then the need for another restroom is clear. Lowart stated that with the master plans for Emerald Glen Park and Fallon Sports Park, phasing has been looked at as part of the final master plan document. She anticipates that this will be the case for this project as well. ON A MOTION BY CM. GUARIENTI, SECONDED BY C M. MUETTER TIES AND BY UNANIMOUS VOTE, THE PARKS AND COMMUNITY SERVICES COMMISSION RECOMMENDS TO THE CITY COUNCIL THAT THEY SUPPORT OPTION ONE WITH THE UNDERSTANDING THAT IT WILL PROBABLY BE DONE IN PHASES. Other Business Brief INFORMA TIONAL ONLY from Parks & Community Services Commissioners and/or Staff Chair Vonheeder-Leopold stated that she received an email from Assemblyman Klehs announcing that he was able to get a grant for $900,000 from the State to renovate the sports field at the Bancroft Middle School. So she wants the City to keep in mind at the staff level, that there are grants out there for the historical and art side of this project. Lowart stated that staff has been working with Congressman Pombo's office, who is attempting to secure additional funds for the museum renovation. We have heard verbally that it has happened, but nothing in writing at this time. Adiournment Being no further business, the meeting was adjourned at 8:38p.m. Respectfully submitted, Char J. Young Administrative Technic fan APPROVED: Chairperson - Heritage and Cultural Arts Commission n APPROVED: A"-Parks Community Services Commission