HomeMy WebLinkAboutID-3008-Adoption-of-an-Ordinance-Arpproving-and-Adopting-a-Plan-for-Improvements-to-Cogswell-Plaza-7-23-12City of Palo Alto (ID # 3008)
City Council Staff Report
Report Type: Consent Calendar Meeting Date: 7/23/2012
Council Priority: Land Use and Transportation Planning
Summary Title: Park Improvement Ordinance -Cogswell Plaza
Title: Adoption of an Ordinance Approving and Adopting a Plan for
Improvements to Cogswell Plaza
From: City Manager
Lead Department: Public Works
Recommendation
Staff recommends that Council adopt the Park Improvement Ordinance for landscape,
irrigation, seating, and pathway improvements at Cogswell Plaza (Attachment A).
Background
The renovations to Cogswell Plaza will improve the aesthetics and usability of the space, while
addressing needed landscaping upgrades. The proposed project was presented to the Parks
and Recreation Commission (PRC) on December 13, 2011. Comments from the PRC included
increasing visibility in the plaza, and they further discussed how the open space would function
with the proposed added seating area if events such as the brown bag concert series were
scheduled again. To maintain the open space for outdoor events the space would be rotated to
have the performers on the north side of the turf area with the proposed seating area at the
rear of the seating area. A request was made by the commission to review the seating options
in the proposed seating area to provide a diversity of options.
On January 18, 2012, a community meeting was held to review the proposed design. Members
of the community provided input about safety concerns with the Plaza and agreed that the
renovations were needed and welcomed.
On February 28, 2012, a second presentation was given to the PRC. The PRC reviewed the
seating options in the proposed seating areas to include benches along with tables and the
proposed renovation plan was approved. A Park Improvement Ordinance was also presented
at the meeting, and the PRC recommended that the Council adopt the PIO pertaining to the
project plans.
An Architectural Review Board (ARB) study session was held on April 19, 2012.
Recommendations from the ARB included keeping the bus stop connected to the proposed
seating area, allowing tables and chairs to be moveable, having new bench seating areas face
each other to promote group interaction, providing greater seating options, and creating a hard
surface transition between the decomposed granite walkway and sidewalk paving at the
crosswalk.
Upon revisions to the plan it was formally reviewed by the ARB on July 12,and approved with
the following conditions: Arrange the existing benches in a more spiral layout to match the
concrete form, place benches in front of and at 90 degrees to each other to create greater
seating and interaction opportunities, stabilize all decomposed granite material,and use more
movable seating options. The current rendition of the plan (Attachment A) shows all ARB
requested modifications to the plan.
Discussion
Aesthetic renovations will include removal of all shrub and hedge material on the ground plane
and replacement with low growing,climate appropriate plant material. The new planting will
give the Plaza a fresh look, require less water and maintenance and will grow to an appropriate
size improving the openness of the Plaza. Renovation to the irrigation system will also be
performed to coincide with the new planting. The new irrigation system will increase efficiency
and reduce water use.
Proposed landscape renovation items that focus on usability of the Plaza include repairing and
replacing segments of the concrete pathways that are broken and uneven;replacing the
outdated trash receptacles and drinking fountain;expansion of the bus stop landing along
Lytton;addition of decomposed granite pathways to increase Plaza access;installation of a new
bike rack;and improvements to the existing lighting system.
To encourage the use of the Plaza by visitors, a portion of the turf area is proposed to be
replaced with a circular decomposed granite seating area. Game and dining tables as well as a
variety of group and individual seating options are proposed. This expanded seating area will
allow a larger user group, from the surrounding facilities, businesses and neighborhood to
enjoy the Plaza as well as reduce overall water use. The Cogswell Plaza Improvement Plan
(Attachment A, Exhibit A) summarizes the Park Improvement Ordinance. The Ordinance will
become effective 30 days after the second reading at Council which is anticipated for early
September.
Timeline
Pending the ordinance’s adoption by the Council, staff will prepare bid documents with an
anticipated construction bid opening this summer. Work is anticipated to commence in
October, 30 days after the second reading of the ordinance and the work is expected to be
substantially complete by November 20, 2012.
Resource Impacts
Funding for this project is available in Capital Improvement Program project Cogswell Plaza
Improvements (PG-11001)as well as Benches, Signage, Walkways and Fencing (PG-06003).
Policy Implications
The proposed CIP recommendations are consistent with Policy C-26 of the Community Services
element of the Comprehensive Plan which encourages maintaining park facilities as safe and
healthy community assets; and Policy C-22 which encourages new community facilities to have
flexible functions to ensure adaptability to the changing needs of the community.
Environmental Review
The proposed improvements is considered as minor alterations and repairs to existing facilities
and is categorically exempt under the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) section
15301 guidelines.
Attachments:
·A -0073711 ORDN Cogswell Plaza Plan of Improvements (PDF)
·B - Feb 28, 2012 PRC Minutes (PDF)
Prepared By:Peter Jensen, Landscape Architect/Park Planner
Department Head:J. Michael Sartor, Director
City Manager Approval: ____________________________________
James Keene, City Manager
*NOT YET APPROVED*
1
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Ordinance No. ______
Ordinance of the Council of the City of Palo Alto Approving
and Adopting a Plan for Improvements to Cogswell Plaza
The Council of the City of Palo Alto does ORDAIN as follows:
SECTION 1. Findings. The City Council finds 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, the Council shall first cause to be prepared and by ordinance
approve and adopt a plan therefor.
(b) Cogswell Plaza is dedicated to park, playground and recreational space.
(c) The City intends to authorize the construction of certain park improvements
within Cogswell Plaza, as shown on the Schematic Landscape Renovation Plan (the “Plan”),
attached as Exhibit “A,” including:
(1) Installation of decomposed granite seating area with game table and
benches;
(2) Clearing of existing vegetation and replanting with climate and size
appropriate planting;
(3) Installation of a new efficient irrigation system;
(4) Repair of existing concrete walkways; and
(5) Additional site lighting.
(d) The improvements at Cogswell Plaza will include the entire area of the Plaza.
(e) The project improvements will avoid protected trees and other sensitive
resources, if any. In addition, existing park uses will be restored following the completion of
project construction.
(f) The project described above and as more specifically described in the Plan,
attached hereto as Exhibit "A,” is consistent with park and conservation purposes.
(g) The Council desires to approve the project described above and as more
specifically described in the Plan, attached hereto as Exhibit "A.”
*NOT YET APPROVED*
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SECTION 2. The Council hereby approves the Plan for the construction of the
improvements at Cogswell Plaza, and it hereby adopts the Plan, attached hereto as Exhibit "A,”
as part of the official plan for the construction of the park improvements at Cogswell Plaza..
SECTION 3. The Council finds that the project to construct the facilities at
Cogswell Plaza is categorically exempt under the California Environmental Quality Act.
SECTION 4. 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 Mayor
APPROVED AS TO FORM: APPROVED:
_____________________________ ____________________________
Senior Asst. City Attorney City Manager
____________________________
Director of Community Services
____________________________
Director of Administrative Services
APPROVED
February 28, 2012 Draft Minutes 1
MINUTES
PARKS & RECREATION COMMISSION
REGULAR MEETING
FEBRUARY 28, 2012
City Hall
250 Hamilton Ave
Commissioners Present: Deirdre Crommie, Stacey Ashlund, Jennifer Hetterly, Ed Lauing, Pat
Markevitch, Daria Walsh, Paul Losch
Commissioners Absent:
Others Present: Council Liaison Espinosa
Staff Present: Daren Anderson, Catherine Bourquin, Rob de Geus
I. ROLL CALL CONDUCTED BY: Catherine Bourquin
II. AGENDA CHANGES, REQUESTS, and DELETIONS: Staff de Geus requested due
to the length of the topic to move item 6 iv. Palo Alto Municipal Golf Course
reconfiguration project to 6 i. The Commission accepted the change.
III. ORAL COMMUNICATIONS: None
IV. BUSINESS:
1. Approval of Draft Minutes from the January 24, 2012 regular – The Draft Minutes
from the Regular January 24, 2012 minutes were approved as amended. Approved
7:0
2. Approval of the Draft Minutes from the January 31, 2012 retreat – The Draft Minutes
from the January 31, 2012 retreat were approved as amended. Approved 7:0
3. Review and recommend Cogswell Plaza Park Improvement Ordinance – Peter Jenson,
Public Works Landscape Architect was introduced and along with Staff Anderson presented
to the Commission the history and the purpose for the Park Improvement Ordinance. Staff
Anderson briefly covered the past history of what has taken place regarding the
improvements to Cogswell Plaza. The improvements to Cogswell Plaza will include
upgrades to the irrigation, lighting, planting, and park furniture. The plan also includes
APPROVED
February 28, 2012 Draft Minutes 2
some needed upgrades to improving the security and the usability of the park. Staff
Anderson also added that there was a public meeting on January 18th, 2012 and the
improvements were well received by the attending public. Mr. Jenson provided the
Commission with some slides outlining the improvements that incorporated the
comments/suggestions the Commission had made at the meeting on December 18th, 2011.
There was no public comment. The Commissioners were then given time to comment on
this upgraded proposal.
Commissioner Ashlund inquired on the height of the bushes. She also wanted to
know if Public Art could be included in the upgrades. Answer: Due to budget
restraints at this time it isn’t part of the renovation but Staff Anderson said that
conversation is taken place with the Art Center Division staff for a possibility of
including Art in the future. Commissioner Ashlund also asked about the possibility
of including exercise equipment at the park.
Commissioner Walsh asked for Mr. Jenson to explain again how and if the Brown
bag concerts come back to Cogswell how the new layout will accommodate them.
Commissioner Losch asked if interactive tables are being considered for the park.
Mr. Jenson replied that the tables will resemble the type with checkers and chess
capabilities.
Commissioner Crommie asked if there were bike racks in the park. Mr. Jenson
replied “Yes”.
Commissioner Markevich asked if the Cedar tree that is being cut down could be
reused somehow in the park. Mr. Jenson gave an explanation on how lengthy the
process is to do that with a tree.
There was a motion made by Commissioner Markevitch to accept the Park Ordinance.
Motion: The Parks and Recreation Commission approve the Park Ordinance for
Cogswell Plaza as presented by staff and hereby attached to the minutes.
Approved 7:0
4. Review and comment on the draft Comprehensive Plan Amendment – Staff de
Geus started the discussion on this item referring to last months Parks and Recreation
Commission meeting when this was discussed with the Commission. It was originally
intended to have the ad hoc committee come back with a summary of changes, but they
were not able to meet therefore it is the intent for it to be discussed with the whole
commission tonight staff de Geus said. He also spoke on the timeline and the next steps
for the plan. The comments from the Commission tonight will be reviewed by staff and
included and updated and then the draft with the changes will be reviewed by the
Planning and Transportation Commission and then to brought to Council in the
Summer.
The Commission provided their comments.
APPROVED
February 28, 2012 Draft Minutes 3
Commissioner Losch commented on page 3 Goal 2 – Not sure how we would tackle
this strategically specifically with private partnerships.
Commissioner Crommie commented on C3.3 and C.47 Consider adding language
recognizing the value of community gardens Add “different abilities:” where
appropriate ex C2.8
Commissioner Hetterly commented on page 17, C4.7.3 would like to make sure the
word athletic facility was included somehow. On page 13 C3.2.5 would like to include
the word “ongoing” in the sentence “Conduct ongoing comprehensive analyses…”
Page 14 C3.4 – insert the word and athletic with existing park facilities.
Commissioner Ashlund commented on page 14-15 accessibility, would like to see the
language revised and on C3.9.2 – change it to read “increase the percentage of
accessibility”
Commissioner Walsh commented on wanting more information included on expanding
recreational opportunities within parks. Possible area would be C4 “Planning for the
future”
Staff de Geus encouraged the Commissioners to email him with other comments if they
weren’t included in this discussion.
5. Review and comment on the revised Bicycle Pedestrian Master Plan update – Jaime
Rodriguez, Chief Transportation Officer for the City spoke on the latest updates to the
Draft Bicycle Pedestrian Master Plan which incorporated the comments and suggestions
from the last time the Plan came before the PARC. It also included comments from the
other stakeholders, PABAC, Planning and Transportation Commission, and from the
outreach meetings. He also informed the commission that Planning and Transportation
plan on holding another Public meeting in March to allow the public a whole month to
provide input to the Plan.
Public Comment
Heather Rosmarin – Spoke to the Commission on the concern over the safety of
bicyclists and pedestrians who use West Bayshore Road between San Francisquito
Creek Bridge and Edgewood Plaza. She came before the Commission to encourage
Planning and Transportation to include this area in the Bicycle Pedestrian Master Plan.
Commissioner Crommie and Hetterly members of the Urban Creeks and Trails ad
hoc committee presented their feedback on the Draft Bicycle and Pedestrian Master Plan
to the Commission and Chief Transportation Office Jaime Rodriguez. After reviewing
the document they had some questions that needed some clarification (see attached) Mr.
Rodriguez answered what he could and said he would look into what he didn’t have
answers to.
The Commission then was given time for questions and comments.
APPROVED
February 28, 2012 Draft Minutes 4
Commissioner Ashlund commented on a concern about a path that enters Mitchell Park
from Charleston that has had some vehicles mistake it for a road.
Commissioner Losch provided his input on ensuring that it is important to have
connectivity within surrounding communities. He also added that when prioritizing
Planning and Transportation should consider focusing on the higher density traffic
areas.
Commissioner Markevitch commented that it would have been helpful to have a
summary of what changes occurred to the Plan from last year to now. She also
suggested that the word “traffic calming” should stay consistent throughout the
document, as there were different words used meaning the same. She had a question
related to the connection from Jordan School onto Newell.
Council Liaison Espinosa reiterated what Commissioner Markevitch had said on
providing a summary. With documents of this size it is helpful to have a direct form of
information to help with understanding the changes for Council and the public.
Commissioner Walsh made a motion to approve the plan. Commissioner
Markevitch remarked that she would not be voting “Yes” on the plan due to the fact that
in her reading of the large document she had found too many things that needed
clarification for her to vote with a “Yes”.
Motion: The Parks and Recreation Commission recommend to Council that they
approve the Bicycle and Pedestrian Master Plan as revised and presented to
the Commission on February 28, 2012. Approved: 6:1 (Markevitch)
6. Parks and Recreation Commission Ad Hoc Committee Updates –
1. Palo Alto Municipal Golf Course reconfiguration project –
Chair Lauing spoke on the item – Next step: Finance committee on March 6th. A
summary was provided on what had transpired from the study session that occurred
with the Council by staff de Geus. An expansive outreach has taken place related to
this project staff de Geus said. There was strong support for the Golf Course. Staff
de Geus added that the presentation and questions are available online at
www.cityofpaloalto.org/golf. There were 4 options A, D, F, and G that were
presented for review, the cost ranged from 3.5million – 8 million. Council Liaison
Espinosa provided information on the Council’s position, and remarked that this will
have to have decision now.
2. Evaluate staff recommendations to place limits on amplified sound at Lytton Plaza.
Chair Lauing reported that there is another upcoming meeting to discuss this issue and
that it will probably be coming back to the Commission next month.
3. Urban Creeks and Trails
APPROVED
February 28, 2012 Draft Minutes 5
Commissioner Hetterly reported that the main focus had been the Bicycle and
Pedestrian Master Plan. There was discussion on not continuing with the committee,
and decided that it will be utilized when the need comes up in this area.
4. Activities and Resources for High School students during non-school hours
Commissioner Walsh said there was nothing to report.
V. COMMENTS AND ANNOUNCEMENTS
1. Commissioner Walsh asked on why are there so many Geese at Greer Park. Staff de
Geus said he would check with Daren Anderson.
2. March 6th, Ethics training
3. Yak attack coming up.
4. Commissioner Crommie remarked on the Mayors address and announced that there is
going to be a ping pong contest within the neighborhoods “Mayors Challenge”.
5. Senior Games coming up – End of March beginning of April. Volunteers always needed.
6. Magical Bridge outreach meeting on March 17th.
7. March 17th concert at JLS.
VI. TENTATIVE AGENDA FOR FEBRUARY 28, 2012 MEETING
1. Golf Course Project – Action
2. Athletic Fields
3. Lytton Plaza
VII. ADJOURNMENT
Adjourned at 9:30pm