08/24/2006 - Laserfiche WebLink

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• Geoff Ball summarized the comments Councilmembers had tendered regarding the relationship between Council and City Manager Carl Cahill and his performance in the managerial role to date. Council praised the efforts of Cahill and noted that he had a clear understanding of the city manager-city council working relationship and they appreciated his communication efforts. PARKS AND RECREATION Mayor Pro Tem Jones suggested that Council consider the need for a Town park similar to the Juan Briones Park in Palo Alto. He noted that Town had the Little League playing fields, pathways and open space but no facility for families similar to a "suburban style park" with a picnic area; children's playground; and playing fields for sports like soccer and Lacrosse and suggested the a park would be desirable addition to the Town's recreational amenities. At the request of Council, Planning Director Debbie Pedro had prepared a PowerPoint presentation on the Town owned O'Keefe Lane property. Council wished to review the parcel and its potential as a recreation site. Pedro's presentation included an overview of the parcel's topography, site accessibility, parking availability and the land use designation under the Open Space and Public Recreation Initiative adopted by Council in December, 2002. Pedro advised Council that any use of the site other than for"low impact"recreation would require a vote of the residents. Council discussion ensued. Council concurred that the Parks and Recreation committee had performed admirably in the recent years. They had established a viable program from the ground up and the programs and expansion of the department was now under the tutelage of Parks and Recreation Supervisor Tod McLemore. Council commended McLemore for the current successes of the department. Council consensus was to direct staff to work with the Park and Recreation Committee to begin to consider the physical layout of the recreational facility and identify a suitable site for a park. Council proposed that the ideal site would be approximately 2-3 acres and include appropriate space for a playing field for soccer and similar activities; playground area for young children; picnic area and parking. The target budget discussed was $5 million. Council suggested that financing/funds for the project could be garnered from private and public sources. One option for funding was the sale of the town-owned Story Hill property. Council identified this project as a top priority for the coming year. • Pathways Council discussed the recent success of the Council and Pathways Committee to complete the Master Path Map. Following numerous public hearings and much public debate, the map was adopted by the City Council on March 8, 2005. Council consensus was to direct the Pathways Committee to defer from mapping activities in the immediate future and to focus on the construction of new pathways and maintenance projects. Councilmember Kerr advised that funding was available from regional sources but that there had been 5 City Council Special Meeting Minutes August 24,2006