HomeMy WebLinkAbout2008-10-06 Ordinance 5017ORDINANCE NO. 5017
ORDINANCE OF THE COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF PALO ALTO
APPROVING AND ADOPTING A PARK IMPROVEMENT PLAN
FOR THE REHABILTTION AND RELOCATION OF THE
BUILDING COMMONTL Y KNOWN AS THE PALO ALTO SEA
SCOUTS BASE BUILDING AND IMPROVEMENT OF THE 2500
BLOCK OF EMBARCADERO (HARBOR) ROAD WITHn~ BYXBEE
PARK AND CITY -OWNED BA YLANDS
The Council of the City of Palo Alto does ORDAIN as follows:
SECTION 1. Findings. The City Council fmds and declares that:
(a) Article VIII of the Charter of the City of Palo Alto and Section 22.08.005 of the
Palo Alto Municipal Code require that, before any substantial building, construction, reconstruction
or development is commenced or approved, upon or with respect to any land held by the City for
parK purposes,meCounclTshall approveatidmadopt a park improvement ordinance andmampl~an-C------
(b) The building commonly known as the Palo Alto Sea Scouts Base Building (Sea
Scouts Building) and the public improvement of the 2500 Block of Embarcadero (Harbor) Road are
located within Byxbee Park and City-Owned Baylands which is dedicated parkland.
(c) The Environmental Volunteers' (EV) use of the building would provide
significant public benefit, including: providing public access; preserving and maintaining the historic
significance of the property; minimizing impact the Palo Alto Baylands Preserve; promoting use of
building by non-profit groups benefiting youth, seniors, wildlife andlor the environment; relocating
the building to higher ground; and improving, maintaining and operating the property at no cost to
the City.
(d) The City intends to authorize certain replacement and improvement projects
within the Sea Scouts Building and Improvements in the 2500 Block of Embarcadero (Harbor) Road
located within Byxbee Park and City-Owned Baylands including, without limitation, the following:
(2) Construction of a fully accessible connection between the building deck
and the adjoining Marsh Front Trail.
(3) Construction of an off-road bicycle trail to connect the two spurs of the
public Marsh Front Trail.
(4) Construction of a new permanent public bathroom building near the
Duck Pond to replace an existing portable toilet facility.
(e) The project improvements will avoid protected trees and other sensitive
resources and all existing park uses will be restored following project construction. The plan for
rehabilitation and adaptive re-use will be consistent with the Secretary of the Interior's standards
081008 sm 0100299 1
for Historic Rehabilitation and in accordance with the City's analysis that the building needs to
be at a higher elevation to ensure it is high enough to avoid problems related to water incursion
from high tides. Accordingly, the improvements described above and as more specifically
described on the Plans attached hereto as Exhibits "A-I" and "A-2" are consistent with park and
conservation purposes.
(f) The Council desires to approve the projects described above and as more
specifically described on the Plans attached hereto as Exhibits "A-I" and "A-2".
SECTION 2. The Council hereby approves the Plan for replacement and
construction of improvements to the Sea Scouts Building and public improvements in the 2500 Block
of Embarcadero (Harbor) Road within Byxbee Park and City-Owned Baylands and hereby adopts the
Plans attached hereto as Exhibits "A-I" and "A-2" as part of the official plan.
SECTION 3. The Council finds that a Mitigated Negative Declaration for this
projectwas adopted on August 20, 2008.
SECTTON4-. --TIlls ordinance slialloe effective on tfie tliirty-first day after tfie date
__________ o~f~i~ts~a~d~op~ti~on~.~----------------------------------------------____________________ _
INTRODUCED:
PASSED:
AYES:
NOES:
ABSENT:
ABSTENTIONS:
CIty Clerk ~.
September 15,2008
October 6, 2008
BARTON, BURT, DREKMEIER, ESPINOSA, KISHIMOTO, KLEIN,
MORTON, SCHMID
YEH
E:J.&i /'
Director of Public Works
2
080902 jb 0130355
Attachment A-I
PROJECT DESCRIPTION
ENVIRONMENTAL VOLUNTEERS ECOCENTER
9/3/08
The Environmental Volunteers (EVs) is a non-profit environmental education
organization located in Palo Alto dedicated to teaching kids of all ages to love nature and
learning. The EVs are finalizing an agreement with the City of Palo Alto for along-term
lease for the Environmental Volunteers EcoCenter to provide a new home for the
organization. The Center is located in the Palo Alto Baylands Nature Preserve, at 2560
Embarcadero Road.
TIre-historic" Birge-elar~"~sjgned butldm-gwas completedinl9-4t;1llld was previously
used by the Sea Scouts. The building currently floods athigh tide and requires
renovation. The proposed project will temporarily move the' building to the east onto the
~ite of the demolished Palo Alto Yacht Club, build a new raised foundation using pilings,
and move the building, back onto the new foundation pilings, which will be shifted 4 feet
further away from the bay. The project includes construction of a 3-stall gravel parking
lot with area for a trash enclosure, mechanical equipment pad, benches, bike rack, and
interpretive signage on the site of the existing gravel parking lot (already filled). The
project also includes a trail to connect a gap within the Marsh Front Trail, and the
removal of an existing portable toilet adjacent to the duck pond and the installation of a
pre-fabricated single stall restroom to replace it. About 200 feet of an existing sandbag
"seawall" along the project site will be removed and a grader will "be used to create a
gentle slope to the marsh.
The areas immediately surrounding the building and parking area will be landscaped with
native plants, including pickleweed (Salicornica virginica), sea lavender (Limonium
californicum), Pacific' gumplant (Grindelia stricta var. angustifolia), alkali heath
(Frankenia salina), silver bush lupine (Lupinus albifrons), coyote bush (Baccharis
-J}ltuJa~_i8nVarG()n8angumea1,--an(fqua:il bush(-Aitlp[e.i7entlfopmls~: n --_n __ nnn n_
The Baylands contains several sensitive biological resources, including federally and
state protected wetlands, state and federal Endangered Salt Marsh Harvest Mouse "
(SMHM), nesting habitat for birds including a heronry near the duck pond, and state and "
federal Endangered California clapper rail. Because the project could affect sensitive
habitat, is adjacent to San Francisco Bay, and may impact wetland resources, it falls
under the jurisdiction of several local, state and federal agencies.
The project incorporates measures to minimize biological impacts. The project requires
fill to be placed on the site in order to accommodate limited parking, trash enclosure,
mechanical pad and a trail. This area will be landscaped with native plants, as mentioned
above. Work will be done while the seawall is still in place and the site is not inundated.
Prior to removal of the seawall, the building will be temporarily moved to the east, the
I
new building foundations will be put in place and shifted 4 feet away from the bay and
the building's existing location. _The building will then be moved onto the new .
foundations. Once the building has been raised 3.5 feet onto a new foundation, a
cantilevered deck will be built over the area occupied by the sea wall and connected via
ramps to the re-routed trail. The seawall will then be removed and the area will be
graded to gently slope down to the marsh.
The project is scheduled to start construction in September 2008 and be completed during
the summer of 2009. The Clapper Rail non-breeding season is from September through
January, which is when the foundations, preliminary grading and building moving will
take place. After that time, the rehabilitation of both the exterior and interior of the
building, final grading and site work will be completed.
The restoration work on the building will commence once the building is placed on the
newioundations~Itwill-inc1ude-l'emoving-aU-ofthe-exterior-siding,wind9Ws-and-m~tal----···~···-
handrails with hand .too1s, such ilS hammers, pry bars, and nail pullers. The handrails and
windows Wil115e refinisned· offSlteanarelIlstalrea:-TIie siairigwill berefiriisnea ori si·T:t~:------~
using a planer and/or sander and reinstalled with a compressor-powered nail gun. After .
. the siding is removed, the rough mechanical, plumbing, and electrical will be installed.
The siding and windows will be reinstalled and drywall and/or paneling installed on the
. inside. New interior partitions, bathrooms, and a kitchenette will be constructed. During
the restoration process, there will be occasional use of Sawzalls and skill saws, and a
table saw. Painting of the building· could be sprayed on with a compressor (if allowed) or
rolled and back brushed. Restoration work will occur on both the exterior and interior at
the same time. It is estimated that the restoration portion of the construction will take
approximately 6 months, starting in January 2{)09.
The site work will include the construction of the ramps, decks, mechanical pad, trash
enclosure, benches, paths and signage. This will take place in late spring/early summer.
2009. Landscape will be installed in late fall/early winter 2009 during the rainy season.
Plant materials will be hand watered and weeded until established.
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LAYOUT MATERIALS & FINISHES LEG
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CONTACT: (800) 448-71131. ~ POWDERCOAT'MATT
4 UNITS (EACH UNIT HOLDS 2 B 0 8 16 32 FEET I r===t=::J
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PRELIMINARY· NOT FOR CONSTRUCTION
(lIICopyrlght 2007 COTTONG .. TANIGUCliI
APPROVED
MINUTES
PARKS & RECREATION COMMISSION
REGULAR MEETING
June 26, 2007
City Hall
250 Hamilton Ave
Commissioners Present: Joel Davidson, Carl King, Paul Losch, Pat Markevitch, Beth
Trailer, Daria Walsh
---CommissionersAbsent:--David~Charleson----_ ----.... --
OdiersPresent:
Staff Present: Greg Betts, Catherine Bourquin, Khashayar Alaee
Roll Call Conducted by: Catherine Bourquin
ORAL COMMUNICATIONS: None
AGENDA CHANGES, REQUESTS, and DELETIONS: None
BUSINESS:
1. Approval of Draft Minutes of May 22, 2007 -Unanimously approved the Draft
'I\1:i~l!~s for the May 22, 2007 me~tin~~. Approved
2. Services and Programs provided by Palo Alto Kiwanis Club -Presentation
Staff Betts introduced the president Brian Dahlquist who provided the Commissioners
with a handout on what the Kiwanis Club of Palo Alto is about. He educated the
Commissioners on some of the projects that the club has been involved with for Palo
Alto. The Commissioners were given time to ask questions.
3. Subcommittee Reports
Future of Baylands -Markevitch, Davidson, King
June 26, 2007 Approved Minutes
Commissioner Markevitch said there were no items to take
action on. She would be providing a brief written update for
the next scheduled meeting.
C ••• i;iII B"~Itt.; ....... r".,4IuM
Playing Areas -Charleson, Losch, Walsh
No report
Culture of Fitness -Trailer, Walsh, Davidson
APPROVED
No report. Since Commissioner Trailer will be leaving the
Commission, there might be a need to regroup.
Strategic Funding -Losch, King
Commissioner Losch and King have five areas that they will be looking into.
1. Competitive Analysis "
2. Asset base -opportunities to increase revenue
3. Grant funding
4. Capital Projects identified
------------~5~Regionalstrm=e~g~ie=s------~~------------------------~----------------~
4. Strategies for Management of Playing Fields and the Enforcement of Rules and
Regulations
Staff Alaee presented an update on recreation related "to field user and neighbor
issues. Recreation has hired a new Recreation Coordinator to handle the Aquatics
programs which will allow Mr. Alaee to concentrate more fully on field issues.
Recreation is in the process of implementing new techniques for monitoring the
Jordan fields. This should occur in September when a vendor is selected from a
Request For Proposal process for park and field patrol. Patrol of fields is only
contemplated for weekends. A copy of the RFP will be proviqed to the
Commissioners in the next scheduled meeting packet. Staff Alaee said they were
following the 13 components that Recreation instituted a few months" ago.
Commissioner Walsh said she was not familiar with the 13 components that Khash
referred to. Staff Alaee said he would send another copy to the Commissioners for
their reference. He added that new signage will be placed at Jordan specifYing .the
rilles andtimesofplay when Recreation has their-enforcement in place.
5. Group 4 Update on the Mitchell Park Library/Community Center Design
Process
"An update from the October design planning meeting was given to the Commission.
The intent of the discussion was to confirm the size the Commi!sj.oners had agreed on
from the last review meeting. No action was required from the Commissioners.
Group 4 will come back at the next meeting to get the approval of the Commissioners
on the Program Recommendation options. Group 4 will provide the Commissioners
with the updated conceptual design material in the August Commission packet.
June 26,2007 Approved Minutes 2
(;11110:'" 8\!~1"1<" r ... ·)CI ... 1f
APPROVED
6. Follow Up On Joint Meeting With Neighboring City Commissions On Issues Of
Mutual Concern
Gommissioner Markevitch gave an update on the results of the first joint meeting
with fellow Park and Recreation Commissioners from around the peninsula. Palo Alto
PARC hosted this meeting to review mutual issues each city might have.
COlmnissioners Markevitch and Commissioner Losch represented Palo Alto along
with Staff members Rob de Geus and Catherine Bourquin. All cities represented
agreed that the meeting was beneficial and it would be acceptable to meet every six
months.
7. Park Improvement Ordinance-Environmental Volunteers EcoCenter
Staff Betts provided the Commissioners with the purpose of the staff report and what
-....... --.. ~ ---outcome is expected of theCommissloaThe purpose is ·to proVide the Commission
~--""""~-~with-inf\mnation-on-the-proposed-renovations-to-the-bueie-Stem~M-aritime-Genter--t:tt----
the Palo Alto Baylands, to hear public comment on the proposed renovations and
. uses, and to ask the Commission to recommend to Council the approval of a Park
Improvement Ordinance for the restoration of this historic City structure and public
facility.
Motion: The Parks and Recreation Commission accepts staff recommendations one
and two of the Environmelttal Volunteers Proposal for Sea Scout Building
Renovation Report dated June 26, 2007. Approved 6:0
8. Strategies For Dogs Off-Leash In Parks And Open Space Areas (continuation)
. Given the time constraints of the meeting, it was agreed to defer this business item
until the next scheduled meeting.
COMMENTS AND ANNOUNCEMENTS:
1. Date of Joint Meeting with the Palo Alto City Council -Postponed to September 10,
2. Commissioner Losch announced Commissioner Charlesons resignation from the Parks
and Re9reation Commission. Commissioner Charleson will need to notify staff in
--writing of this resignation.
3 .. Commissioner Trailer resigned last month and was acknowledged for her service on
the Commission.
4. Commissioner Losch distributed an email related to Rock and Rolf Community Walk
from Mayor Kishimoto. It was agreed that Commissioner Walsh would be the .
Commissioner designee for this.eyent.
5. Staff Betts reminded the Commissioners of the Chili Cook Off coming up next
weekend.
6. Commissioner Davidson announced a presentation coming up "Across Boundaries"
on July 1 t h by Richard Walker.
June 26,2007 Approved Minutes 3 . ..
a.Jr.a:", a",. • .." ...
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APPROVED
7. Commissioner Davidson also announced an article in the Palo Alto Weekly on Monroe
Park having their first neighborhood social event at Monroe Park in3Syears.
8. Recommendation to cancel the July meeting and schedulethe next meeting on August
28fu.. .
TENTATIVE AGENDA FOR June 26, 2007 MEETING
1. Approval of June 26, 2007 Draft Minutes
2. Sub-committee reports -Commissioners ..
3. Commissioner Markevitch would like to present a flyer to the Commission (S min)
4. Dog off-leash deferred from June meeting.
S. Group 4 -Mitchell Park Library/Community Center Design Process (continued) .
ADJOURNMENT
'~~'Adjourned 10:08 pm _ .. _ .... _----. --_. -----_ ........ .
June 26, 2007 Approved Minutes 4
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