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HomeMy WebLinkAbout2004-01-12 City Council (2)TO: City of Palo Alto ger’ s Report HONORABLE CITY COUNCIL FROM:CITY MANAGER DEPARTMENT:COMMUNITY SERVICES DATE:JANUARY 12, 2004 CMR:111:04 SUBJECT:APPROVAL AND ADOPTION OF A PARK IMPROVEMENT ORDINANCE ASSOCIATED WITH PLANS FOR A NATIVE PLANT POTTING AREA IN THE CITY-OWNED BAYLANDS AT THE DUCK POND MAINTENANCE YARD RECOMMENDATION Staff recommends that Council approve and adopt the attached Park Improvement Ordinance for improvements to the Duck Pond maintenance yard of the City-owned Baylands, to allow for the development of a 1,600-square foot native plant potting area that is intended for the propagation of plants for marsh and riparian habitat restoration projects in the Baylands and along San Francisquito Creek. BACKGROUND Since fall 2001, when the City partnered with Save The Bay, a non-profit environmental organization dedicated to habitat preservation and protection, 68 separate volunteer events have been coordinated for habitat restoration and marsh clean-up involving 2,700 volunteers contributing more than 8,127 hours. Volunteers coordinated by staff and Save The Bay have removed more than 8,000 pounds of non-native plants, 2,000 pounds of trash, and planted 20,000 native salt-marsh plants in a restored area totaling six acres. In order to provide native plant material for restoration projects in Palo Alto, Save The Bay has offered to pay for the construction and maintenance of a propagation and potting area. The proposed potting area and lath house structure would measure 40-feet by 40- feet and would be constructed of wood posts, wire fencing and ceiling with a base rock (aggregate) floor with natural drainage. The structure would be located just to the right and inside of the service gate to the maintenance area of the Duck Pond in an area where there are presently no trees or plants. This area is presently restricted to the public. The nursery would be adjacent to an existing chain link fence so that park visitors could see and learn about native plants, restoration activities and why restoring degraded areas with native plants is essential to habitat conservation. Education panels would be on the fence in front of the nursery structure. CMR:I 11:04 Page 1 of 4 The nursery will allow volunteers to continue planting native salt marsh plants at the Baylands and will provide for the restoration of four to six acres of marsh annually. By propagating plants in this fashion, $10,000 will be saved annually in procuring plants from a nursery in Watsonville. The full cost of the structure, estimated at $10,000, will be paid by Save The Bay. An on-going subsidy for the supplies necessary to operate the nursery, estimated at $2,500 per year, will also be paid by Save The Bay. DISCUSSION The City Charter and Municipal Code require that a Park Improvement Ordinance be approved and adopted prior to construction by the City for park purposes or substantial changes in park use. The area of the Baylands that is proposed for the potting area and nursery is within a restricted area of the Duck Pond adjacent to a maintenance building and brooding pen. The area is next to the perimeter fence in an area that does not impact waterfowl nesting areas. Stakeholders Meeting: A public stakeholders meeting was held at the proposed building site at the Duck Pond maintenance area on October 2, 2003. Members of environmental organizations, volunteer goups, park user groups and concerned citizens were invited to attend. A representative of the Parks and Recreation Commission and a staff member from the Planning Department also attended. Participants were supportive of the concept of a native plant nursery for the support of marsh and riparian restoration. Most of the participants approved of the proposed site and said that the location would lend itself to educational displays and demonstration for the public on the importance of native plant propagation. A few participants felt that the structure did not need to be visible to the public and suggested that staff consider an alternative site for the nursery at the Water Quality Control Plant. Staff subsequently studied locating the nursery at the Water Quality Control Plant but found that access to volunteers would be restricted on weekends, and that safety risks in the area made the site operationally impractical. BOARD AND COMMISSION REVIEW AND RECOMMENDATIONS At its October 28, 2003 regular meeting, the Parks and Recreation Commission reviewed the proposed park improvement ordinance. Representatives from Save The Bay made a presentation on the benefits of the proposed nursery and two volunteers from open space support organizations attended and spoke in favor of the project. The Parks and Recreation Commission, after much discussion regarding the siting of the structure in an area adjacent to the Duck Pond nesting area, approved staff’s recommendation to the City Council by a vote of 6-1 (Gioumousis- No). At its November 6, 2003 regular meeting, the Architectural Review Board reviewed the design of the proposed potting area and lath house. The Board was impressed with the educational component of the design and ageed with staff that the structure should be CMR:l 11:04 Page 2 of 4 situated in such a way that the public could view planting activities and learn about the important of native plant propagation for habitat preservation. The Architectural Review Board unanimously recommended to the Director of Planning and Community Environment approval of the project with three stipulations: a) if the structure ceases to be used for plant restoration activities, it should be removed within six weeks, b) every five years the project should return to the ARB for review of the use and conditions of the structure, and c) the irrigation piping color should be black to make it visually unobtrusive. RESOURCE IMPACT There will be no General Fund impact. Save The Bay will bear all costs for construction and maintenance of the facility, including plant materials. Maintenance of the surrounding fencing will continue to be the responsibility of the City. POLICY IMPLICATIONS This recommendation for the nursery is consistent with City policy and furthers the goals of the Comprehensive Plan Natural Environment Policy N-12 in that the nursery would preserve the habitat value of open space areas and creek corridors through the propagation of native plants and the replacement of invasive, non-native plants with native plants. The need for a native plant nursery was not anticipated in creation of the Baylands Master Plan, which was adopted by Council in 1978. Since this proposed facility does not disturb or displace any of the landscaping that was incorporated into the Baylands Master Plan for the Duck Pond area, this project is not in conflict with the plan. The intent of the facility to foster the preservation of the Bayland’s natural resource qualities is consistent with the long-term forecast objectives of the Baylands Master Plan (page 69) which calls for restoration of recovered harbor areas and areas covered with dredging spoils. TIMELINE Once this Ordinance is approved, a contractor hired by the City will begin construction of the proposed improvements. ENVIRONMENTAL REVIEW This project is categorically exempt from the provisions of the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) pursuant to Section 15301 (minor change to an existing facility) of the CEQA guidelines. ATTACHMENTS: Attachment A: Park Improvement Ordinance Attachment B: Project Site Plan CMR:I 11:04 Page 3 of 4 Attachment C: Minutes -Parks and Recreation Commission, October 28, 2003 Attachment D: Minutes -Architectural Review Board, November 6, 2003 Attachment E: Staff Report -Architectural Review Board, Beth Young PREPARED BY: DEPARTMENT HEAD: (~G I~ETTS Superintendent, Open Space and Science RICHARD JAMES Director, Community Services Department CITY MANAGER APPROVAL: [SON Assistant City Manager CMR:I 11:04 Page 4 of 4 ***NOT YET APPROVED*Attachment A ORDINANCE NO. ORDINANCE OF THE COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF PALO ALTO APPROVING AND ADOPTING PLANS FOR A NATIVE PLANT POTTING AREA IN THE CITY-OWNED BAYLANDS AT THE DUCK POND MAINTENACE YARD The Council of the City of Palo Alto does ORDAIN as follows: SECTION i. Findings and Declaration. finds and declares as follows: The City Council (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 purpose, the Council shall first cause to be prepared and by ordinance approve and adopt a plan therefor. (b)The City desires to approve and adopt a plan for the construction of a 1600-square foot potting area for native plants to be used in the restoration of marsh and upland refugia habitat at the City-owned Baylands. A site map of the project is attached as Attachment A. SECTION 2. The City Council finds that the Planning & Community Environ!nent Department prepared an Environmental Assessment for the construction of the native plant potting area. The City Council finds that the documents for these projects have been reviewed in accordance with the California Environment Quality Act (CEQA) pursuant to the provisions of Section 15311 of Title 14 of the California Code of Regulations, respectively. SECTION 3. The City Council finds that the construction of the native plant nursery is a cooperative project funded by Save The Bay, a non-profit, public benefit corporation, and will greatly enhance the City’s efforts to restore areas of the City- owned marshes that have been degraded by invasive non-native plants. The propagation of native plants is desirable for the benefit of protecting and enhancing habitat for wildlife. 031031 cl 0072335 1 ***NOT YET APPROVED*** SECTION 4. The City Council further finds that this project is limited to already developed areas of Byxbee Park and will not impact undeveloped surrounding areas. The City Council accordingly finds that this improvement is consistent with park and conservation purposes. SECTION 5. This ordinance shall be effective on the thirty-first day after the date of its adoption. INTRODUCED: PASSED: AYES: NOES: ABSENT: ABSTENTIONS: ATTEST: City Clerk APPROVED AS TO FORM: Mayor APPROVED: Senior Asst. City Attorney City Manager Director of Community Services 031031 cl 0072335 2 ?, Attachment B Fence Line Proposed Potting Area Attachment C APPROVED MINUTES PARKS & RECREATION COMMISSION REGULAR MEETING October 28, 2003 Palo Alto City Hall Council Conference Room 250 Hamilton Avenue Commissioners Present:Anne Cribbs, William Garvey, Ellie Gioumousis, Jennifer Hagan, Edie Keating, Judith Steiner and Lynn Torin Commissioners Absent: None Others Present:Steve Staigner (Historical Society) and Marilyn Latta (Save the Bay) Staff Present:Dan Williams, Richard James, Greg Betts, Dawn Calvert, Daren Anderson, and Virginia Gibbons CALL TO ORDER:Meeting called to order by Bill Garvey at 7:00 pm ROLL CALL:Conducted by Virginia Gibbons. AGENDA CHANGES, REQUESTS, and DELETIONS: Jennifer Hagan requested that Items #7 (Naming/Renaming of Parks) and #8 (Parks Handbook Revisions) be moved to become Items #6 and #7 and Item #6 (Park Amendment Ordinance...) to become Item #8. This request was approved by all Commissioners. ORAL COMMUNICATIONS: None BUSINESS: 1.Approval of Draft Minutes of September 23~ 2003 Regular Meeting. The minutes of the September 23, 2003 meeting were approved without change. PARC/Council Meeting Update. Chairman Garvey stated his impression of the meeting was that the Council is pleased and satisfied with the performance of the Parks and Recreation Commission and that the Commission’s efforts have been beneficial to the Council. Chairman Garvey also noted the Council’s instruction to the Commission regarding legal issues, which was that these issues should not influence the Commission’s APPROVED decisions and that the City Attorney, prior to Council decisions, would review all legal issues. Commissioner Torin suggested that the Commission keep an on-going list of topics to discuss at the next PARC/Council meeting. All the Commissioners approved this suggestion. Mavfield Fields. Richard James gave the Commission an update stating that Mayfield Fields has not yet become a project. Stanford has offered 6 acres to the City and will build fields on the site, but negotiations with Stanford are not complete. Preliminary conceptual designs have been created. The EIR has been scoped by Council and requires more work, but should close around March. The City will provide input to Stanford, who will build the project, and it is expected to create 2 full size soccer fields and 1 practice field, with a restroom, storage space, and concession stand. The City’s plan is to add artificial turf at a cost of $6-800,000. Commissioner Torin reminded the Commission that the more expensive artificial turf was favored due to its realistic texture. Artificial turf in addition to planned lighting will increase playing time (8:00 a.m. to 10:00 p.m.) and greatly increase the amount of Palo Alto’s playing fields. The question arose of "fumes" from the artificial turf. Richard stated that even though staff has done a great amount of research, there are no issues with fumes from the turf and because the fields are outside, he could not foresee this as becoming an issue. Commissioner Keating questioned the hazardous material plume that exists under the field. Richard James explained that this would not be an issue as there would be no deep excavation and that no remediation is planned. Richard James went on to explain that trees and landscaping will be planted around the field and a 5’ high berm is planned with fencing as required for safety. A traffic circle is planned for drop-offs and a possibly a shuttle stop. Commissioner Gioumousis requested that landscape planting be done with native trees and plants, which would help with water usage. Commissioner Torin asked about the status of the Fields Advisory Committee and was informed that the Committee is no longer an advisory to the Commission and is now more of a political committee working with staff to achieve new fields. Commissioner Garvey requested that the Commission be made aware if the project "bogs down" or runs into problems. 4.Arastradero Preserve Crosswalk. Greg Betts informed the Commission of the recommended improvements by the Planning and Transportation Division and requested the Commission’s approval of the changes. The pedestrian/equestrian crosswalk that existed prior to repaving Arastradero Road will be restored. The crosswalk will feature a broad horizontal striping.. APPROVED Advance signs will be installed in both directions of Arastradero Road advising motorists of the equestrian crosswalk. If possible the signs will be neon colored. Vegetation will be cleared from the Preserve (west side of the road to improve the line of sight of the area of the crosswalk. In addition the trail tread of the Portola Pastures Trail near Arastradero Road has been raised so that prior to reaching the crosswalk, equestrian and pedestrians will be at the same height as Arastradero Road and visible to oncoming motorists. Commissioner Hagan suggested clearing the vegetation as needed for better line of site from the crosswalk to Gate A, which was agreed to by Commissioner Steiner. Motion: Commissioner Hagan moved to approve staff recommendations with the addition of the request that vegetation be cleared as needed for better line of site from the crosswalk to Gate A. Motion seconded by Commissioner Torin. FOR: 7; AGAINST: 0 o Commissioner Hagan will attend the Transportation Commission meeting on November 12~ to convey the Parks and Recreation Commission’s comments and recommendation. Arastradero Gateway Update. Greg Betts explained to the Commission that the project has been under discussion for 6 years. The concept of a gateway facility near the preserve parking lot started when the Preserve neighbors and others donated funds to take down a former house and barn structure and move public facilities to the area closer to the existing parking lot. The proposed gateway building will incorporate straw bale construction and will be designed low in profile, consisting of no more than 1,500 square feet and will not duplicate existing interpretive structures in other open space parks. The plan is for a 10x10 workspace for medical supplies, ranger/volunteer notes, and a work space for the Preserve stewards, staff and volunteers. The concept is to keep the buildings low to follow the natural contours of the hillside and keep earth moving during construction to a minimum. The rustic design also respects the natural setting of the Preserve and mimics nearby ranch buildings. There was extensive ARB review, the building permit has been received and the job went out to bid, with only one responsible bid being received. It is expected that it will take 18 months to complete construction and the completion date is expected to be around October 2005. Five items will be held off in order to keep back $70,000 in contingency funds until the job has been completed. Commissioner Steiner suggested having a higher contingency fund for the hay bale construction portion of the project from her experience in a similar project and that builders would be willing to pay to watch and learn about hay bale construction and earth pise (stucco) techniques used in the construction of this building. APPR 0 VED Parks Handbook Update. Commissioner Hagan introduced Steve Staigner, City Historical Librarian and representative of the Historical Associate who gave a brief introduction to the handbooks that have been created by the Historical Association over the past years. It was requested that a sub-committee of Commission members be appointed to work on revisions to the Parks Handbook, which is expected to take about 6- 8 months. Chairman Garvey asked for volunteers for project volunteers. Commissioners Hagan and Gioumousis volunteered to work on this project with Commissioner Steiner volunteering to be an alternate. Commissioner Cribbs also expressed an interest but will not be available until after the fn’st of the year (2004). Naming/Renaming of Parks. Commissioner Hagan explained to the Commission that she received a request from a local group to consider asking that the Council rename a local park for a prominent Palo Alto resident. It has been requested that the resident remain unnamed at this time. Steve Staigner (Historical Association) explained to the Commission that all naming of parks, streets, and buildings must go through review by the Historical Association, as well as the Fire Department and that the City Council is responsible for the final naming/renaming of city-owned land or facilities. The Historical Association looks at suggestions, names appropriate for the site, and names not previously used. This is roughly a 6-10 month process. Park Amendment Ordinance for a Native Plant Potting Area at the Duck Pond. Greg Betts summarized for the Commission, the staff report requesting a PAO for this project. The staff recommendation is for approval in concept plans for the modification of the Duck Pond maintenance area, which is restricted to the public, in order to create a native plant nursery structure funded by Save San Francisco Bay Association for the propagation of native plants, which will be planted by volunteers and staff in the city- owned Baylands and along the mouth of San Francisquito Creek. Greg introduced Mafilyn Latta of Save the Bay who gave the Commissioners a copy of the program partnership description. Ms. Latta then gave a short presentation of other Save the Bay sponsored plant nurseries and the benefits of the restoration program. Commissioner Gioumousis stated that she is in favor of the project, but is not comfortable with the proposed location of the project due the site being a dedicated bird sanctuary. Greg Betts explained the reasoning for positioning the project in the proposed location within the fenced maintenance area of the duck pond. There was a short question and answer period after which the Commission was asked to vote on the recommendation of staff. Motion: Commissioner Torin moved to approve staff recommendations. Motion seconded by Commissioner Steiner. FOR: 6 (Cribbs, Garvey, Hagan, Keating, Steiner, Torin); NO: 1 (Gioumousis) APPROVED Commissioner Hagan will attend the Council meeting when this items is agendized to transmit the Parks and Recreation Commission’s recommendation and recorded vote. December Meetim,. Due to the holiday shutdown, it was agreed that there would be no meeting in December 2003. AGENDA FOR JANUARY 27, 2004 MEETING 1. Review of Comprehensive Plan Elements that Relate to Parks and Open Space. ANNOUNCEMENTS 1.The Department of Fish and Game is accepting comments on the Tiger Salamander, which becoming rare, considered an endangered species and is in need of protection. ADJOURNMENT Meeting adjourned at 9:05 pm. Attachment D MEETINGS ARE CABLECAST LIVE ON GOVERNMENT ACCESS CHANNEL 16 Thursday, November 6, 2003 SPECIAL MEETING - 8:00 AM City Council Chambers Civic Center, 1st Floor 250 Hamilton Avenue Palo Alto, CA 94301 ROLL CALL: Board members: Lee Lippert (Chair) Drew Maran(Vice Chair) (Absent) Kenneth Kornberg Judith Wasserman Susan Eschweiler Staff Liaison: Steven Turner, Planner Staff." Amy French, Manager of Current Planning Alicia Spot-wood, Staff Secretary Russ Reich, Associate Planner Beth Young, Sr. Planner PROCEDURES FOR PUBLIC HEARINGS Please be advised the normal order of public hearings of agenda items is as follows: ¯Announce agenda item ¯Open public hearing ¯Staff recommendation ¯Applicantpresentation - Ten (10) minutes limitation or at the discretion of the Board. ¯Architectural Review Board questions of the applicant/staff ¯Public comment - Five (5) minutes limitation per speaker or limitation to three (3) minutes depending on large number of speakers per item. ¯Applicant closing comments - Three (3) minutes ¯Close public hearing ¯Motions/recommendations by the Board ¯Final vote ¯The Director’s decision will be posted at the Downtown Library CONTINUANCES Page 1 The Architectural Review Board will review the agenda at or around 10:00 A.M. to determine if the remaining items on the agenda can be completed by 12:00 Noon. In the event that the ARB determines that specific items will not be heard at today’s meeting, review of such items will be continued to a date certain. ORAL COMMUNICATIONS. Members of the public may speak to any item not on the agenda with a limitation of three (3) minutes per speaker. Those who desire to speak must complete a speaker request card available from the secretary of the Board. The Architectural Review Board reserves the right to limit the oral communications period to 15 minutes. Lynn Chiapella, 631 Colorado Avenue: Stated her concem regarding the approval of projects in the Mid Town area that don’t have section 18.64 of the Palo Alto Municipal Code applied to them. She stated that lights are projecting onto residential properties and trash cans are placed against fences that are shared with residential property instead of placing them against the wall of the building. She requested that when project go before the board that applicants be required to have box shielding around their lights. APPROVAL OF MINUTES. NONE AGENDA CHANGES, ADDITIONS AND DELETIONS. The agenda may have additional items added to it up until 72 hours prior to meeting time. NEW BUSINESS Public Hearing (MajoO 795 El Camino Real [03-ARB-102, 03-EIA-14]: Application by the Palo Alto Medical Foundation for Architectural Review Board review and recommendation to the Director of Planning and Community Environment for construction of: 1. The Clark Building (Building D), a three story, 41,500 square foot medical office building, and 2. A three- level parking structure, including 189 automobile parking spaces. The project includes new landscaping and automobile and pedestrian circulation areas. Staff Recommendation: Staffrecommends the ARB review the project plans, and offer initial comments. The project has not been deemed complete at this time, and City staff has not completed their review. It is anticipated that the review and environmental document will be completed for ARB review at the November 20, 2003 ARB meeting, when staffwill request a recommendation on the project. Architectural Review Board Action: There was no action taken. The Board provided comments to the applicant Page 2 Public Hearing (Minor) 2625 Middlefield Road [03-ARB-76]: Application by Alan Ford on behalf of Kathleen E. Haley, Trustee (property owner) for Architectural Review Board review and recommendation to the Director of Planning and Community Environment for installation of one roof-mounted sign, one free standing sign on an existing sign base and one projecting sign. Pursuant to PAMC 16.48.060(h)(2), this item has been requested to be review by the Architectural Review Board. Staff Recommendation Staff recommends that the Architectural Review Board recommend the Director of Planning and Community Environment approve the proposed project with the findings and conditions attached to the staff report, including a request for a sign exception to allow a projecting sign to be installed under the eve at the front of the store. Architectural Review Board Action: The Board recommended approval of two signs, (4-0-0-1 Board member Komberg moved, seconded by Board member Wasserman, Board member Maran absent), with the following conditions: a) the color of the rooftop sign face be changed from red to brown, b) the monument sign be reviewed to be more compatible with the existing signs, and c) the sign exception for a third sign be continued to the meeting of December 4, 2003. 589 Oxford Avenue [03-ARB-91, 03-DEE-01]: Application by Larry Paul for Architectural Review Board review and recommendation to the Director of Planning and Community Environment for exterior modifications to the existing three unit apartment building and a request for approval of a Design Enhancement Exception to allow an eleven foot encroachment into the 20 foot front yard setback and to allow a three foot encroachment into the 16 foot street side yard setback. These encroachments are proposed to accommodate new decks and an entry stair. Staff Recommendation: Staffrecommends that the ARB recommend approval of the proposed minor project including the requested design enhancement exceptions to the Director of Planning and Community Environment, based upon the findings in Attachment A and subject to the conditions of approval in Attachment B. Architectural Review Board Action: The Board continued the project to a date uncertain, (4-0-0-1, Board member Eschweiler moved, seconded by Board member Komberg, Board member Maran absent) with the following items to be modified and brought back to the ARB for review: a) window system to be consistent, b) wood trim should be used instead of cement plaster, c) wood windows instead of vinyl, d) bring stone up to full height or explore using another material, e) submit a sample of the stone material and a detail of a typical comer treatment of the stone, f) provide more detail on proposed landscaping, including more plantings, using less fences and more shrubs to create private areas Page 3 for the residents, g) review the fence finish/color, and the partial cladding of the columns. 2500 Embarcadero Road (Baylands) [03-D-09, 03-ARB-971: Application by the City of Palo Alto Community Services Department and Save San Francisco Bay Association for Architectural Review Board review and recommendation to the Director of Planning and Community Environment for construction of a nursery structure for raising native plants for restoration activities within the Baylands. The project site is located in a Site and Design combining district. The Director of Planning and Community Environment has diverted this application for a minor change to the administrative approval process, as provided in Palo Alto Municipal Code, Section 18.99. Staff Recommendation: Staff recommends that the Architectural Review Board (ARB) recommend that the Director of Planning and Community Environment approve the proposed project based on the findings in Attachment A and subject to the Conditions of Approval in Attachment B. Public Testimony: Robert Roth, Palo Alto: Stated his opinion that the project should be approved. Emily Renzel, Palo Alto: Stated her concern regarding having urban structures in an open space area. She also stated that the conditions placed on the project should be careful not to allow the potential use of a building to storage, and there should be a timeline on the building if it’s not in use. Architectural Review Board Action: The Board recommended approval of the project, (3-0-0-2, Board member Wasserman moved, seconded by Board member Kornberg, Board members Eschweiler and Maran absent) with the following conditions: a) condition number 3 wording should be amended to reflect that if the building ceases to be used for plant restoration it should be removed within six weeks, b) every five years the project should return to the ARB for review of the use and conditions of the structure, and c) the piping color should be black. REPORTS FROM COMMITTEES/OFFICIALS. BOARD MEMBER Q UES TIONS, COMMENTS, AND/OR ANNOUNCEMENTS. Architectural Review Board representative at City Council meetings: ~Meeting date Representative SUB COMMITTEE MEE TING- Board Members: Drew Maran Page 4 Susan Eschweiler MIS CELLANE 0 US INFORMATION. Approvals Granted: Project Description: Installation of(l) non-illuminated single sided transom sign on the wall above the entrance. Applicant: Marco Aguirre of Von Kohorn & Kitzmiller Address: 306 Cambridge Avenue, 03-ARB-93 Approval Date: October 30, 2003 ADA. Persons with disabilities who require auxiliary aids or services in using City facilities, services, or programs or who would like information on the City’s compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) of 1990, may contact (650) 329-2550 (voice) or 650-328-1199 (TDD) Posting of agenda. This agenda is posted in accordance with government code section 54954.2(a) or section 54956. Recordings. An audio tape of the proceedings may be obtained!reviewed by contacting the Planning Division at (650) 329-2440. A video tape of the proceedings can be obtained/reviewed by contacting the City Clerk’s Office at (650) 329- 2571. Page 5 Attachment E Architectural eview Board Agenda Date: From: Subject: November 6, 2003 Beth Young, Senior Planner Department: Planning and Community Environment 2500 Embarcadero Road (Baylands Nature Preserve) [03-D-09, 03- ARB-97]: Request by Community Services Department of the City of Palo Alto for Architectural Review Board review and recommendation to the Director of Planning and Community Environment for the construction of a 1,600 square foot nursery structure on City-owned property within the Baylands Nature Preserve. Zoning: Public Facility with Site and Design Overlay (PF(D)). Environmental Assessment: Categorically exempt from the provisions of the California Environmental Quality Act per Section 15301. RECOMMENDATION Staff recommends that the Architectural Review Board (ARB) recommend that the Director of Planning and Community Environment approve the proposed project based on the findings in Attachment A and subject to the Conditions of Approval in Attachment B. PROJECT DESCRIPTION The proposed nursery structure is to be located in the Baylands Nature Preserve (Baylands) maintenance area directly north of the duck pond. The City-owned Baylands site is zoned Public Facility with Site and Design Overlay (PF(D)). The PF(D) zoning designation requires Site and Design review. The Director of Planning and Community Environment has diverted this application for a minor change to the administrative approval process, as provided in Palo Alto Municipal Code, Section 18.99. BACKGROUND Existing Site Conditions Located along the San Francisco Bay, and bounded by Mountain View and East Palo Alto, the Baylands covers 1,940 acres, with 1,600 acres protected in the Baylands Nature Preserve. The nursery structure is proposed to be located within the maintenance area behind the duck pond (see Attachment C for location map and Attachment D for aerials): This area is enclosed by a tall fence and gate with only staff access. The maintenance area is approximately 150 yards from the ranger station and overflow parking area. The vegetation within the fenced maintenance area includes non-native palm trees and invasive vegetation (Italian thistle and mustard). Restoration work of native vegetation is underway in this area, including coyote brush and native gum plant. However, in recent years, the palm trees have provided roosting area for Baylands birds. The City’s Naturalist believes the proposed location of the nursery is far enough away from the palm trees that it will not adversely impact the roosting birds. Project Description The City of Palo Alto Community Services Department is partnering with Save San Francisco Bay Association (Save The Bay) for construction of a nursery structure for raising native plants for restoration activities within the Baylands. The proposed nursery is a lath structure, 1,600 square feet in area, with sides measuring 40 feet by 40 feet, and 8 feet in height. Constructed with wood posts, wire fencing walls and top, and base rock (aggregate) floor for natural draining. The wood posts are 4" x 4" pressure treated wood posts, similar in size to the existing fence posts. The chicken wire fencing is necessary to protect the plantings from ground squirrels and other pests. The structure would be located just west of the service gate to the maintenance area in an area where there are no trees and plants. (See Attachment I for the foundation plan and elevations.) The nursery structure’s front side will be constructed flush with an existing chain link t’ence that parallels the trail so that park visitors can view the native plants within the nursery. In the future, educational panels may be placed on the fence in front of the nursery structure for passer-bys to learn about the importance of restoration activities in the Baylands. The nursery will be used as a propagation area for raising native plans for restoration activities along San Francisquito Creek and other sites within the Baylands. The structure will have the capacity to house up to 10,000 native plants at one time. The trays of plants will be stacked on tables and watered with a timed drip irrigation system. The plants glowia in the nursery will be grown exclusively from the Baylands’ seeds and clippings. See Attachment F for the applicant’s statement and program needs. Under the direction of City staff, Save The Bay will conduct volunteer events at the nursery once a week throughout the year to propagate the native plants. Approximately 15-20 volunteers are expected to participate at each volunteer event. On occasion, volunteers may also work in the nursery during weekend field projects. City of Palo Alto staff or Save The Bay staff will accompany the volunteers in the nursery. 2500 Embarcadero Road (Baylands Native Plant Nursery)Page 2 Motor vehicle parking for volunteers will be in the overflow parking lot next to the ranger station. Bike racks are available near the duck pond The estimated $12,000 costs for materials and labor for constructing the nursery structure will be paid for by Save The Bay. The structure will be donated to the City of Palo Alto. Operation and maintenance costs will be shared between the City and Save The Bay. By propagating plants on-site at the Baylands, it’s expected that $10,000 will be saved annually in procuring plants that cun’ently come from a commercial nursery. Depending on the success of the native planting restoration work, at a future time the nursery structure may be reduced in size, relocated or removed fl’om the Baylands. Baylands City staff and Save They Bay representatives estimate the nursery being needed at this location for approximately 10 years or less. Project Review On October 28, 2003, the Parks and Recreation Commission (PARC) reviewed the project and reconm~ended (6-1) that the City Council approve a Park Improvement Ordinance for the project. The City Charter and Municipal Code require that a Park Improvement Ordinance be approved and adopted prior to construction or substantial changes in park use on land held by the City for park purposes. The Park Improvement Ordinance describes the proposed physical improvements and changes in park use at the park site and is subject to a referendum petition for 30 days following its second reading. See Attachment F for the October 28, 2003, PARC staff report and draft Park Improvement Ordinance. In general, the Commissioners’ comments were supportive of the proposed structure and location in consideration of the City’s program needs, i.e., proximity to ranger station, m:~intep.ance equipment and an existing water line, availability of nearby parking for volunteers, and minimizing the visual impact to the Baylands while still attracting interests fl’om trail users. Commissioners expressed appreciation for the considerable \olunteer work done by Save The Bay for in the Baylands. One Commissioner expressed concern that the structure would adversely impact the birds in the duck pond area, believing that this area is a dedicated bird sanctuary and should be restored. She s}~ggested placing the structure in a less environmentally sensitive area, such as closer to the ranger station. A stakeholders meeting was held at the proposed nursery site within the duck pond maintenance area on October 2, 2003. The meeting was attended by City staff, a representative from Save The Bay and eight individuals involved with various environmental activities at the Baylands. The group was shown the proposed location for the nursery site with stakes in the ground marking the borders. While there was 2500 Em.barcadeco Road (Bavlands Native Plant Nursery)Page 3 general support for a native plant nursery for the Baylands Nature Preserve, two attendees expressed concern about the location and size of the structure. Ms. Emily Renzel suggested locating the structure away from natural areas, such as near the Water Quality Treatment Plant, to reduce the visual impact to they Baylands. If it was infeasible to locate the nursery off site, she suggested moving it away from the fence along the trail to an area closer to the duck pond where it could be concealed with existing vegetation. The majority of attendees expressed support for the project and the proposed location, believing that the location near the trail would lend itself to visitors seeing the nursery and learnin,,= about the restoration efforts at the Baylands, as well as how to become a volunteer. See Attacln-nent G for minutes from the stakeholders meeting. Written correspondence received prior to the ARB meeting is included in Attachment H. " DISCUSSION The environmental issues surrounding development in the Baylands Natural Reserve have been addrcssed in the site location and nursery structure design. 5"z~i~able Locatio~. The proposed location does not require removal of any trees or plants. The structtlle will be located in an area that was previously covered with invasive thistle and does not serve as nesting or roosting areas for native birds (per City’s Baylands Naturalist). An existing fence and gate provides security from vandalism. The nursery structure would be located near more active use amenities, such as picnic tables arid the parking lot areas. The proximity to the trail loop lends itself to providing an educationa! opportunity for walkers to observe the native plantings. C/~ste~’i~zg q/" Uses. The City of Palo Alto Comprehensive Plan calls for new development in open space areas to be clustered, or closely grouped, as much as possible. This makes particular sense with the current proposal given that a public parking lot and maintenance storage building already exists adjacent to the proposed nursery location, and the ranger station is nearby. POLICY IMPLICATIONS Compliance witla Zonin~ Ordinance The project meets all development standards and uses set forth in Chapter 18.32, Public Facilities District. As the project site is located within a Site and Design overlay district, the project is required to cornply with the goals of the Site and Design district. Compliance with Palo Alto Comprehensive Plan 25{10 Embarcadero Road (Baylands Native Plant Nursery)Page 4 The proposed site is within the City-owned Baylands Nature Preserve and is designated "’Publicly Owned Conservation Land" on the City ofPalo Alto’s Comprehensive Plan Land Use Map. The primary purpose of this land use designation is the preservation and enhancement of the natural state of the land and its plant and animal life. However, the Comprehensive Plan specifies that compatibly designed and operated resource management, recreational, and educational uses are allowable under this land use designation. The proposed native plants nursery structure is consistent with this range of allowable uses and has been designed to integrate with the surrounding open space areas. The prqiect is consistent with the following Comprehensive Plan policies and programs: Policy C-25: Make infrastructure improvements on public open space only when these improvements are consistent with the goals of protecting and conserving the natural environment. . P~ogram C-23: Study and recommend methods of private and public financing for improved park maintenance, rehabilitation, and construction. ¯Program N-2: Examine and improve management practices for natural habitat and open space areas, including the provision of access to open space for City vehicles and equipment, to ensure that natural resources are protected. The Baylands Master Plan was last updated in 1987. Staff believes the nursery is a supportable use in the Baylands. Staff recommends that the Community Services Department delay designing educational panels for the nursery area until the Baylands Design Guidelines are completed. The Planning Division in coordination with Open Space and Science is cun’ently developing Baylands Design Guidelines that will provide more uniform and aesthetically compatible design of Baylands elements, such as paving, circulation, fences, structures, benches, small enclosures for garbage and recycling, and si~rl~.l~e TI&IELINE Lpon receipt of the ARB’s recommendation, the Director of Planning and Community Environment \rill render his decision on the Site and Design. As this project application has been di\’e~’ted as a minor change to the administrative approval process, as provided in Palo Alto Municipal Code, Section 18.99, the Site and Design decision will be noticed in the next City Council packet and published in a local newspaper. The Director’s decision will also be posted at the Downtov,,n Library and on the City’s Website ( www.citvoti~aloalto.or~iarb). A Park Amendment Ordinance for the project is tentatively scheduled for review and action by the City Council in December 2003. The Park Improvement Ordinance is subject to a referendum petition for 30 days following its second reading. 2500 Embarcadero Road (Baylands Native Plant Nursery)Page 5 PUBLIC NOTICE Notice ol’ttnis ARB rcview of this project was provided by publication of the agenda in a local newspaper of general circulation. ENVIRONMENTAL ASSESSMENT The project is exempt from the provisions of the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA), per section 15303, which exempts the construction of a limited number of new, small facilities less than 2,500 square feet. The 1,600 square foot structure falls within this range. ATTACHMENTS Attachment A: Architectural Review Board Standards for Review Attachment B: Attachment C: Attachment D: Attachment E: Attachment F: Attachment G: Attachment H: Attachment I: Recommended Conditions of Approval Location Map Aerial of Site Applicant’s Statement PARC staff report, October 28, 2003 Minutes of the Stakeholders Meeting, October 2, 2003 Correspondence Received, October 30, 2003 Site Plan set (ARB members only) COURTESY COPIES Gregg Betts, Superintendent, Open Space and Science, Community Services Department Daren Anderson, Baylands Senior Ranger, Community Services Department Deborah Bamens. City Naturalist, Community Setwices Department .\Iarilyn katta, Save The Bay Attendees, Stakeholders Meeting on October 2, 2003 Prepared By:Beth Young, Senior Planner Manager Review: John Lusardi, Planning Manager 2500 Embarcadero Road (Baylands Native Plant Nursery)Page 6 ATTACHMENT A RECOMMENDED FINDINGS FOR APPROVAL ARCHITECTURAL REVIEW BOARD STANDARDS FOR REVIEW Baylands Native Plant Nursery 2500 Embarcadero Road/File No. 03-D-09, 03-ARB-97 The design and architecture of the proposed improvements, as conditioned, furthers the goals and purposes of the ARB Ordinance as it complies with the Standards for Architectural Review as required in Chapter 16.48 of the PAMC. 7"he &,.sigJ~ i.s~ consiste,~l and compatible with applicable elements of the city’s Comprehensive Plan in that the project promotes the maintenance and restoration of existing open space areas; (2)The desig~z is compatible with the immediate environment of the site in that the structure will be located in an existing established maintenance area at the Baylands Nature Preserve and will be of a minimal size and scale that is similar to the existing structures in the maintenance area. The nursery structure will use materials and colors that are COml)atible with the Baylands; The desig~ is appropriate to the function of the project in that the nursew structure would contain plantings and seedlings for the use of volunteers and City staff, which would benefit from its elo~ i~.sx-imity to the ranger station, existing storage building and parking area. The pervious ground surface and lath structure is designed to have little or no impact’m ,q~¢ ~uvrounding environment; 1 O)Access ~o ~he property and circulation thereon are safe and convenient for pedestrians, c’vc’/i.~> ~md vehicles i~ that the nnrseu structure is located adjacent to a trail and pubic parking spaces in the overflow parking lot are available for the use of the nurser3, volunteers; 12) A:amraljeatures are appropriately preserved and integrated with the project in that the project is designed to avoid impacting native vegetation and existing non-native trees on site; The ma~eria!s. ~extures, colors and details of construction and plant material are ~/~/~co!~ri,~e e.v!~ressio~ to the design and fzmction in that the structure uses minimal materials, including wire fencing and new posts thatwill be painted to match the existing fencing at the site. ARB Standards 4-9 and 13-16 do not apply to the project. 2500 Embarcadero Road (Baylands Native Plant Nursery)Page 7