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Home My WebLink About1998-03-16 City Council (35)TO: City of Palo Alto City Manager’s Report HONORABLE CITY COUNCIL FROM:CITY MANAGER DATE:MARCH 16, 1998 DEPARTMENT: COMMUNITY SERVICES CMR:-147:98 - SUBJECT:ARASTRADERO PRESERVE GATEWAY FACILITY--TASK FORCE STATUS REPORT This is an informational report and no Council action is required. "BACKGROUND : Council directed staffto solicit consultant proposals to provide facilitation and architectural services for a new modest gateway facility, no largerthan 1200 to 1500 square feet, at the Arastradero Preserve (Preserve). It was also specified that the scope of work be consistent with the City’s design guidelines for development in the Open Space Zone, which includes referral to the Planning Commission. On July 28; 1997, Council approved a consultant contract with Bluhon Planning Group (CMR:335:97) for services to facilitate discussions with community .groups and others to solicit input for the use and design of a modest gateway facility at the Preserve. The contract also provided for architectural services to prepare conceptual drawings of potential facilities, as well as preliminary environmental and engineering analysis. Working with a ten-member volunteer task force representing park users, neighbors, conservationists and park rangers (Attachment One), the consultant has facilitated five task force "meetings and two public workshops. DISCUSSION At its initial meeting on October 30, 1997, the task force adopted goals (Attachment Two) and a design process schedule (Attachment Three) consisting of seven task force meetings and four public workshops. _ The committee came to a consensus about the purpose and use of a gateway facility. The facility should provide space and amenities for visitors and volunteers to gather and learn about the Preserve, and conduct habitat restoration and maintenance projects. The modest facility should provide for flexible use and include space for classes, small meetings and CMR: 147:98 Page 1 of 3 lectures associated with Preserve activities. Space formonitoring and research of restoration work on the Preserve and limited storage space was also needed. After listening to public comment, the task force came to a clear consensus on most of the major site amenities that the facility should have: ¯Americans with Disabilities Act accessible and within a five-minute walking distance of the existing parking area ¯Provide a staging area with seating and protection from the weather *Restrooms ¯Drinking water ¯A first-aid cabinet ¯A pay telephone ¯Outdoor informational and interpretative displays that are accessible whetlier the facility is open or closed ¯Secure storage space, accessible from outdoors, .to hold supplies and tools for park ¯. projects and public safety activities. A complete consensus has yet to be reached regarding how the facility should be configured to provide meeting space for up to thirty people, and work space for occasional use by rangers or the steward, and an indoor storage area for equipment and supplies. Consistent with design guidelines for development in the Open Space Zone, the task force suggested the design integrate the gateway into the natural landscape with minimum visual and ecological impact. The_b~_il_ding should be a simple natural facility that accommodates flexible use. Ecological de-s~g~ principles should be used as a way to conserve resources, minimize maintenance costs, and educate visitors. The building should be located along the Arastradero Road corridor and close’to the existing parking area (Attachment Four). Preliminary drawings have been sketched to enable visualization on how the proposed building components could fit a 1200-to 1500-squ~e-foot facility. Additional schematic design_ alternatives will be developed at the next task force meeting and then presented to the public during a third workshop in April. The task force will then incorporate public comment in developing a final draft design .... Once the. fmal draft conceptual design is completed, a fourth public workshop will be held to develop a consensus for a fmal design, which the task force will ratify _and then present to the Architectural Review Board and Planning Commission. StaffwilFthen return to Council in June 1998 with a final.task force report that will include sketched facility proposals, proposed design and cost estimates. RESOURCE IMPACT The cost of facilitating community input and preparing a conceptual design totals $47----~J 70,. and has been financed by the Arastra Fund, which was established under the auspices of the Peninsula Community Foundation. If Council approves the fmished conceptual design, CMR: 147:98 Page 2 of 3 expenditures for final architectural plans, engineering analysis and construction will be requested from the Arastra Fund. The agreement establishing the fund utilizes an advisory committee to make recommendations to the Peninsula Community Foundation for. disbursements. The current balance of the Arastra Fund is $483,664. The Open Space Division will seek $156,000, over the next four fiscal years, to finance the remainder of the five-year stewardship agreement with Bay Area Action for restoration and maintenance of the Preserve. The Task Force and Consultants are aware that the proposed facility should not cost more than $300,000/ .... POLICY IMPLICATIONS The attached design goals,- inclttd~g=sit~ p~g and building criteria, are consistent with existing City policies. ~ =ENVIRONMENT .ASSESSMENT This stares report is not subject to the California Environmental Quality Act. However, an assessment will be needed prior to preparation of final~plans and construction. The agreement with Bluhon Planning Group has been written, upon Council and Arastra Fund Committee approval, that they may be retained for further environment and design work. XTTACnMENTS - Attachment One: Task Force Roster Attachment Two: Design Goals and Program Attachment Three: Design Process Schedule Attachment Four:Arastradero Gateway Task Force Mission Statement PREPARED BY: Greg Betts, Open Space Manager DEPARTMENT HE~ PAUL THILTGEN Director, Community Services CITY MANAGER: EMILY HARRISON Assistant City Manager CMR: 147:98 Page 3 of 3 Arastradero Gateway Task Force Members Steven Haze (Diane Haze, Ntemate) Los Altos Hills Horseman’s’ Association 22681 San Juan Road Cupertino, CA 95014 Tel 408-255-8823 David Smemoff Bay Area Action 447 Lerida . Los Altos, CA 94024-4017 Tel 604-1230 Fax 851-9293 smernoff @ batnet.com Jerry Hearn Environmental Volunteers 144 El Nido Portola Valley, CA 94028 Tel 851-2718 Fax 325-1584 Camas Hubenthal Committee for Green Foothills 3921 East Bayshore Road Palo Alto, CA 94303 Tel 968-7243 Fax 962-8234 cgf@best.com Karl Manderbach City of Palo Alto Ranger Foothills Parld3300 Page Mill Road Los Altos Hills, CA 94022 Tel 329-2423 Fax 917-9647 Debbie Mytels Canopy 3921 East Bayshore Road Palo Alto, CA 94303 Tel 964-6110 Fax 964-6173 debbie @ canopy.org Jan Terry Palo Alto Hills Neighborhood Association 925 Laurel Glen Drive Palo Alto, .CA 9-43~4._- Tel 650-949-3596 Brian-Wax Resonsible Offroad Mountain Peddlers 3189 Louis Road Palo Alto, CA 94303 Tel 933-7530 waxman @ corp.sgi.com Maryanne Weiton Rob Quigley Associates 210 High Street Palo Alto, CA 94301 Tel 328-8030 Fax 328-8032 quigleynor@aol.com Rosemary Young ’Resident 26 Arastradero Road Portola Valley, CA 94028 Tel 854-3174. Fax 854-0292 City Staff Karen Bengard City of Palo Alto, Public Works P.O. Box 10250 Palo Ait0, CA 94303-0862 Tel 329-2636 Fax 329-2299 karen_bengard@city.palo-alto.ca.us Gregory Betts City of Palo Alto, Community Services Lucie Stern Community Center 1305 Middlefield Road Palo Alto, CA 94301 Tel 617-3112 Fax 321-5612 g regory_betts @ city.palo-alto.ca.us Dan Williams City of Palo Alto, Community Services Lucie Stern Community Center 1305 Middlefield Road Palo Alto CA 94301 Tel 329-2180 Fax 321~5612 Consultant Team Peter Bluhon Agnes Rozsnyoi Bluhon Planning Group 261 Purdue Avenue Kensington, CA 94708 Tel 510-525-1105 Fax 510-525-1179 bluhon@vdn.com David Arkin Anni Tilt Arkin Tilt Architects !062 Stannage Albany, CA 94706 Tel 510-528-9830 Fax 510-528-0206 arkintilt @ aol.com Arastradero Gateway Task Force Members Steven Haze (Diane Haze, Alternate) Los Altos Hills Horseman’s Association 22681 San Juan Road Cupertino, CA 95014 Tel 408-255-8823 David Smemoff Bay Area Action 447 Lerida ¯ Los Altos, CA 94024-4017 Tel 604-1230 Fax 851-9293 smernoff @ batnet.com Jerry Hearn Environmental Volunteers 144 El Nido Portola Valley, CA 94028 Tel 851-2718 Fax 325-1584 Jan Terry Palo Alto Hills Neighborhood Association 925 Laurel Glen Drive Palo Alto, CA 94304 Tel 650-949-3596 Camas Hubenthal Committee for Green Foothills 3921 East Bayshore Road Palo Alto, CA 94303 Tel 968-7243 Fax 962-8234 cgf@best.com Brian Wax Resonsible Offmad Mountain Peddlers 3189 Louis Road Palo Alto, CA 94303 Tel 933-753O waxman @ corp.sgi.com Karl Manderbach City of Palo Alto Ranger Foothills ParW3.300 Page Mill Road Los Altos Hills, CA 94022 Tel 329-2423 Fax 917-9647 Debbie Mytels Canopy 3921 East Bayshore Road Palo Alto, CA 94303 Tel 964-6110 Fax 964-6173 debbie @canopy.org Maryanne Welton Rob Quigley Associates 210 High Street Palo Alto, CA 94301 Tel 328-8030 Fax 328-8032 quigleynor@aol.com Rosemary Young Resident 26 Arastrader0 Road Portola Valley, CA 94028 Tel 854-3174 Fax 854-0292 City Staff Karen Bengard City of Palo Alto, Public Works P.O. Box 10250 Palo Alto, CA 94303-0862 Tel 329-2636 Fax 329-2299 karen_bengard @ city.palo-alto.ca.us Gregory Betts City of Palo Alto, Community Services Lucie Stern Community Center 1305 Middlefield Road Palo Alto, CA 94301 Tel 617-3112 Fax 321-5612 gregory_betts @ city.palo-alto.ca.us Dan Williams City of Palo Alto, Community Services Lucie Stern Community Center 1305 Middlefield Road Palo Alto CA 94301 Tel 329-2180 Fax 321-5612 Consultant Team Peter Bluhon - ~ Agnes Rozsnyoi Bluhon Planning Group 261 Purdue Avenue -- Kensington, CA 94708 Tel 510-525-1105 Fax 510-525-1179 bluhon@vdn.com David Arkin Anni Tilt Arkin Tilt Architects 1062 Stannage -_ Albany, CA 94706 Tel 510-528-9830 Fax 510-528-0206 arkintilt @ aol.com Arastradero Gateway Facility Design Goals (Ratified unanimously by the Task Force, 12/16/97. Revised and ratified unanimously 1/26/98.) The Arastradero Gateway Task Force will use the following goals to guide design of the proposed Gateway Facility. Overall Goal of the Facility. Orient and educate visitors about Arastradero Preserve and inspire stewardship of and respect for its natural resources. Goals and Criteria - 1. Uses and Functions Provide space and amenities for visitors and volunteers to gather and learn about ~he Preserve and conduct habitat restoration. a) Provide ADA-compliant parking and access to the gateway area. b) Create a resting space where people can prepare for or rest after using the park. Provide restrooms and potable water. -~ c) Provide for flexible uses to accommodate habitat restoration, educational, and ¯ " maintenance activities. Uses may-inc4ude (but not be limited to): space for meetings and lectures associated with the Preserve; monitoring and research of restoration work on the. Preserve; school group visits; storage space for data collection instruments arid maintenance tools; and work space for rangers and stewards. d) Provide information and amenities necessary for the safe use of the Preserve by all users. 2. Site Planning Criteria Integrate the gateway into the natural landscape with minimum impact to visual and ecological resources and existing infrastructure. Create a sense of peace and coexistence with the natural surroundings. a) Acknowledge the natural topography in establish building lines. ~3~ b) Minimize erosion impacts to creeks, swales, and natural habitat. Avoid fiat expanses of impervious surface and minimize the need for cut and fill. t~.5~ c) Avoid impacts to native botanical-resources. d) Locate_~ amenities in already disturbed areas whenever possible. e) Site the gateway facility within the Arastradero Road corridor and within a five minute walk from the main parking area. f) Consider solar access and breezes when siting the facility. ¯ g) Landscape and restore areas around amenities with native plants and trees, t~ h) Design service access paths with a rural character. ~9~ _ 3. Building Design Criteria Create a simple, natural, flexible facility which stimulates reverence and curiosity for the Preserve’s resources. Use ecological design principles as a way to conserve resources, minimize maintenance costs, and educate Visitors. a) Create a connection between interior spaces and the surrounding landscape. b) Use passive solar heating, cooling and daylighting and incorporate renewable energy technologies. DESIGN GOALS AND PROGRAM 1 c) Reuse salvaged materials from former Preserve structures and elsewhere. d) Use natural materials and subdued colors. ~sJ [Footnotes ,,[1~,, refer to the City’s Open Space Development Criteria, October 20, 1986.] Arastradero Gateway Facility Design Program (items #1-8, #12, and #16 ratified unanimously. Other items ratified with one no vote, 1/26/98. ) Design Program Elements The following elements will be part of the gateway facility and be designed consistent with the Design Goals above. Site Amenities 1)ADA*-compliant route from parking area to gateway facility within 5 minutes walking distance of existing parking area using few or no switchbacks. 2)Outdoor displays about the Preserve including interpretive, safety, restoration, and community information, accessibie when gateway facility is open or closed. 3)Staging area with seating and protection from sun and rain. 4)Potable water accessible for humans, horses, and dogs. 5)Horse ties near the facility and near restrooms. 6)Bicycle parking area with racks near the facility and restrooms. 7)Emergency vehicle access as required by local jurisdictions. 8)Pay phone. Facility Functions and Components 9) Limit enclosed space to the minimum necessary to meet design goals and program. (The maximum limit is 1,200 to 1,500 square feet.) 10) Meeting space for up to 30 people that has cover and can be enclosed when required. 11) Outdoor gathering and seating area sheltered from the weather to accommodate about 30 people for a presentation or discussion (with electrical outlets).~-~12) Accessible restrooms (up to 2 users each or 4 unisex). 13) Small, secure work space for up to 2 people to accommodate telephone, computer, files, and records pertaining to public safety or park acti~vities. 14) Countertop with sink to accommodate environmental education or restoration demonstrations. 15)Small indoor lockable storage area for equipment, supplies, and tools. 16)Secure storage space accessible from outdoors to accommodate supplies and tools for park maintenance, restoration, and public safety activities. DESIGN GOALS AND PROGRAM Arastradero Gateway Task Force Mission Statement (Ratified unanimously by the Task Force, 10/30/97.) Purpose The overall purpose of the Arastra~dero Gateway Task Force is to develop and recommend to the City Council a conceptual design of a proposed gateway facility in Arastradero Preserve. The central mission of the Task Force is to solicit and interpret the community’s ideas on the proposed facility and help realize the community’s needs and vision in the conceptual design. Goals The Arastradero Gateway Task Force will conduct an open, facilitated community design process with the support of a professional design team to achieve the following goals: 1)Identify potential uses and users of the facility; 2)Identify site opportunities and constraints; 3)Develop design goals, criteria, and a design program;- 4)Develop site and design alternatives for the building; and 5.)Ratify a single final conceptual design by consensus. Process The Task Force will use a consensus decision making process which depends on exploring and addressing different points of view prior to making final recommendations. The Task Force will use a set of groundrules to guide its meetings and decision making activities. ,~-- _ Community Participation The deliberations of the Task Force will be open to the public and allow for public comment. Community members will have substantial opportunities to provide ideas and feedback on draft work products of the Task Force at several public workshops. Community members can also contribute their ideas to the process by communicating directly with members of the Task Force during the process. ARASTRADERO GATEWAY TASK FORCE MISSION STATEMENT