REPORT TO PARKS & RECREATION COMMISSION
SUBJECT
Title
Parks & Recreation Commission Work Plan Goals for FY 2020/21
Report
BACKGROUND
Annually, the Parks & Recreation Commission considers three to five specific, measurable, attainable, realistic, and time-bound goals and/or activities for the year. These are intended to focus Commission efforts and respond to community and City Council priorities within existing budget direction, resource limitations, and the purview of the Commission as set forth in the City Charter and City Code.
At subsequent meetings, the Commission will discuss the Work Plan and make subcommittee assignments, as necessary. Members then work toward goal completion and provide updates at the regular Commission meetings. The Parks & Recreation Commission FY2019/20 Work Plan Goals were to:
a) Inform the community about parks and recreation infrastructure conditions and provide leadership and advocacy for any potential new funding strategies;
b) Review existing park rehabilitation needs and new residential development park project plans;
c) Host the 39th annual Santa Clara Art & Wine Festival and begin planning celebratory elements for the 40th anniversary event; and,
d) Provide leadership and guidance for a community input and outreach phase for a new 30+ acre community park in the north of the City.
DISCUSSION
At the September 15, 2020 meeting, the Commission reviewed and discussed the Work Plan Goals for Fiscal Year 2019/20 while considering their potential Work Plan for Fiscal Year 2020/21.
The Work Plan Goals for Fiscal Year 2020/21 are to:
a) Inform the community about parks and recreation infrastructure conditions and provide leadership and advocacy on potential new funding strategies;
b) Review and provide input on existing City park rehabilitation projects and proposed park projects to serve new residential development;
c) Host the 40th annual Santa Clara Art & Wine Festival; and,
d) Provide leadership and guidance for community input and outreach on the proposed 30+/- acre Community Park on a former SCG&TC City owned parcel.
On October 20, 2020, the Commission received an update from the subcommittee for Work Plan Goal d) after a visit to the 30+ acre proposed Community Park site. They noted the topography of the site, which has panoramic views of the South Bay. The slopes along the perimeter of the site have potential for adding unique recreation activities. They discussed how public engagement and community outreach should be extensive in developing conceptual designs.
At the November 2020 meeting there was no review of work plan goals, due to a very full Parks & Recreation Commission Agenda. The Commission did not meet in December 2020. At the January 2021 meeting, Work Plan Goal “a” will be discussed in the context of a report on the State Proposition 68 Competitive Grant Program and potential for a project proposal for Machado Park rehabilitation and expansion.
ENVIRONMENTAL REVIEW
The action being considered does not constitute a “project” within the meaning of the California Environmental Quality Act (“CEQA”) pursuant to CEQA Guidelines section 15378(b)(5) in that it is a governmental organizational or administrative activity that will not result in direct or indirect changes in the environment.
PUBLIC CONTACT
Public contact was made by posting the Parks & Recreation Commission’s agenda on the City’s official-notice bulletin board outside City Hall Council Chambers. A complete agenda packet is available on the City’s website and in the City Clerk’s Office at least 72 hours prior to a Regular Meeting and 24 hours prior to a Special Meeting. A hard copy of any agenda report may be requested by contacting the City Clerk’s Office at (408) 615-2220, e-mail clerk@santaclaraca.gov <mailto:clerk@santaclaraca.gov> or at the public information desk at any City of Santa Clara public library.
RECOMMENDATION
Recommendation
Continue progress on Parks & Recreation Commission Work Plan Goals for FY 2020/21 and appoint subcommittee(s) as needed.
Staff
Reviewed by: Dale Seale, Deputy Parks & Recreation Director
Approved by: James Teixeira, Director of Parks & Recreation