ERC 08-18-2011 Community Development Department
Cupertino, CA 95014
(408) 777 -3308
APROVED MINUTES OF THE SPECIAL MEETING OF THE ENVIRONMENTAL REVIEW
COMMITTEE HELD ON August 18, 2011
Committee Members: David Knapp
Aarti Shrivastava
Timm Borden
Winne Lee
Barry Chang (arrived at 9:40)
Committee Members absent: none
Staff present: Gail Seeds
Staff absent: None
APPROVAL OF MINUTES: August 4, 2011
ACTION: Approval of minutes from August 4, 2011
MOTION: David Knapp
SECOND: Timm Borden
ABSTAIN: none
VOTE: 4 -0
ORAL COMMUNICATIONS
(Reserved for persons wishing to address the Committee on issues that are not already included in the
regular Order of Business)
A resident, Jennifer Griffin, spoke against the changes to the R1 Ordinance recently approved by the
City Council. She felt the vote to make the changes was rushed without enough consideration being
given to the neighborhoods which have been annexed into the City. The residents in those
neighborhoods used to have elected representation from the neighborhood to meet with the Board of
Supervisors, now the City Council is made of at -large elected persons who will not have a vested
interested in these unique neighborhoods. She hopes more thought is put into an upcoming, similar,
agenda item called the Development Permit Process streamlining project.
NEW ITEMS:
1. Application No.: Project 9134 (EA- 2011 -11)
Applicant: City of Cupertino
Location: Stevens Creek Corridor Park and Restoration Phase 2 (city owned
property)
The proposed project would construct an approximately 1 /4 mile long segment of bicycle -
pedestrian trail, extending the existing Stevens Creek Trail from Blackberry Farm Park to
Stevens Creek Boulevard and connecting to existing bicycle lanes and bus stops there. The
project would restore Stevens Creek, install native plantings and create a new backwater area.
It would open the parcel known as the Stocklmeir property to the public. The project would
renovate the existing parking lot at the Blackberry Farm Golf Course and Blue Pheasant
Restaurant, provide crosswalk and walkway connections, and install on- street parking and a
bus drop -off area.
This proposed project was contemplated in the Stevens Creek Corridor Park Master Plan and
Restoration Plan Initial Study /Mitigated Negative Declaration (IS /MND) prepared in 2006;
however, a new IS/ MND has been prepared due to recent changes in the current project
description.
❑ Archeological /Cultural
o There will be a Stop Work Order in the construction documents should any artifacts
be discovered on site
o An Archeologist is scheduled to visit the site at least twice during the restoration
process
o Preconstruction training will be provided to contractors
❑ Trees /Planting
o Creek Restoration includes removing the concrete structures, replanting native
vegetation and creek widening
o Prior to removal of any soil, samples will be tested for any herbicidal or pesticide
residues
o Tree replacements will be done in accordance with the City's Tree Ordinance
o Special precautions will be taken to make sure SODS (infected materials) are not
imported into the area and to protect the oak trees from disease
❑ Biological/ Wildlife
o Improvements to the creek will provide better habitats for the creek wildlife
o A pre - construction survey will be conducted for presence of protected wildlife at
the site
o Conduct pre - construction training with contractors regarding protected wildlife
o Speed limits will be established at the construction site
❑ Additional Discussion
o A new Initial Study and Mitigated Negative Declaration has been prepared because
the methodology for the creek restoration for this phase of the project is different
from the methodology outlined in the previous IS /MND
o The Initial Study and Mitigated Negative Declaration is in the public comment
period and in review with the State Clearinghouse
o Soil testing for Mercury and Selenium should be considered (per Committee
member Chang)
o A neighbor commented on the eastern and western maximum possible alignments
of the trail and creek
o A resident spoke in favor of the project and asked about the proposed new
crosswalk
ACTION: Recommendation for approval of a Mitigated Negative Declaration
MOTION: Barry Chang
SECOND: Aarti Shrivastava
NOES: none
VOTE: 5 -0
OLD BUSINESS
None
Resvectfully submitted,
Oa_
Beth Ebben
Administrative Clerk
G /planning/erc/actionminu tes081811