CC Staff Report 10-02-2012 Addendum on Item No.13 LLc�le-__C-0py c_ c (o -Z - ( 2- ( 3
rIP/ PUBLIC WORKS DEPARTMENT
CITY HALL
4,1-i9 10300 TORRE AVENUE CUPERTINO, CA 95014-3255
TELEPHONE: (408)777-3354 www.cupertino.org
CUPERTINO
CITY COUNCIL STAFF REPORT
Meeting: October 2, 2012
ADDENDUM
Subject
Funding the Environmental Education Center Project.
Discussion
This addendum is provided to give additional information to the City Council regarding the site
selection and approval history for the Environmental Education Center(EEC) as contemplated in
this recommended action to fund and move forward expeditiously with the project.
In 2006, as part of the Stevens Creek Corridor Park Master Plan and Restoration Plan Initial
Study/Mitigated Negative Declaration, the EEC was included as a new structure at the location
currently contemplated on McClellan Ranch Preserve. Attached are documents describing the
EEC and a plan showing the proposed location.
With the 2012 McClellan Ranch Master Plan approved by Council, the proposed location at
McClellan Ranch Preserve was discussed; however McClellan Ranch West was also discussed as
another possible location for the EEC. There was some flexibility included in this master plan
because there was a historic structure that was being contemplated at that time for relocation and
reuse for the EEC purpose and it was not known if it could be located at the McClellan Ranch
Preserve site.
It is now staff's recommendation that Council direct staff to proceed with a new EEC structure at
the location previously cleared environmentally as part of the 2006 Stevens Creek Corridor
project. If staff is directed to move forward with this proposed location, it is expected that
project will be able to be completed prior to the deadline to use the State Prop 40 grant of
$251,000. It is unlikely that the City could complei:e environmental review on the alternative site
in time to secure the Prop 40 grant funds.
Currently the Outdoor Gathering Shelter and the McClellan Ranch Blacksmith Shop Renovation
are in this year's Capital Improvement Program. If Council directs staff to move forward at this
time with the EEC, then the shelter would be combined with the EEC project for efficiency
purposes and the Blacksmith Shop renovation can occur on a schedule independently from the
project.
Prepared by: Timm Borden
Approved for Submission by: David Brandt, City Manager
Attachments:
A. Excerpt from McClellan Ranch Master Plan 2012 Update
B. Excerpt from Stevens Creek Corridor Park Master Plan and Restoration Plan Initial
Study/Mitigated Negative Declaration
Attachment A
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CUPERTINO
McClellan Ranch
Master Plan
2012 Update
submitted to
City of Cupertino
City Council
May 1, 2012
Date: April 3,2012
•r , , \` Project: McClellan Ranch Master Plan 2012 Update
Evaluation of potential CIP projects
PROJECT NAME Environmental Education Center & Site Plan
TYPE OF PROJECT: New Structure
PROJECT DESCRIPTION: Construct a new building to support McClellan Ranch activities and programs,city
naturalist programs,and environmental education&stewardship programs.Develop
an updated site plan.
EXECUTIVE SUMMARY: The 2006 Master Plan for Stevens Creek Corridor proposed a new environmental
education center building which has not yet been implemented. There is wide inter-
est in expanding the environmental education potential of McClellan Ranch,but the
site lacks an indoor space that can house groups and environmental programs year
round. A relatively small structure could greatly increase the usability,educational
possibilities and enjoyment of the site. A building program could include space for
classrooms&meetings;a wet lab;a resource center with reference material;exhibits;
storage;office space for the city naturalist,docents&volunteers;and rest rooms.
The new building could be located at McClellan Ranch near the other structures,or at
McClellan Ranch West(former Simms parcel)which has ample space. An updated site
plan for the parcels would be prepared during the early design work. It would
address the location for the new center plus the blacksmith shop and new structures
such as outdoor gathering shelter which will affect each other and the use of the site.
BENEFITS/SUPPORTS Goals Supported:
GROUPS,PROGRAMS,GLS: • Fosters stewardship of earth by providing environmental education,leadership
and resources
• Continues partnership with local schools and environmental groups
• Helps create a positive,healthy and connected community
Benefits of CIP Project to Current Programs:
• School fieldtrips can have alternate program site
• Camps can use site
• Larger meeting area for recreation classes,community groups,and tenants
• Improved area for interpretive displays and activities
• Improved facilities for City Naturalist programs
• Secure storage for program supplies
Possible Opportunities for New or Expanded Programs:
• School programs can expand
• Larger-sized classes and programs possible
• Higher senior participation likely with protected indoor venue available
• Wet lab facilities would support expanded creek studies and biology activities
• Multiple meetings,classes or programs can occur simultaneously
• Venue for larger interpretive displays and activities
• Greater workspace available for staff,docents and volunteers
CHALLENGES: Updated CEQA clearance likely needed
Multiple potential visitors,users&activities may involve need for flexible spaces
Floodplain location possible
Parking demand may increase
ESTIMATED TIME FRAME: 2-1/2 years
ESTIMATED COST RANGE: $$$$ - $251K State grant is secured for new center completed by Dec.2014
Project&its funding could be phased,with year 1 for programming,updated site plan
&design,and year 2 for construction
Environmental Ed Center could provide operating cost recovery and revenue if space
is rentable for special instruction or special events
Construction may be eligible for further grants
Attachment B
Stevens Creek Corridor Park
Master Plan and Restoration Plan
Initial Study/Mitigated Negative Declaration
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Project Description Page 2-7
Existing Proposed
and park. No change in side-stream diversion to golf
course ponds.
N/A A 5-foot wide trail connection would be constructed
to connect parking at Blackberry Golf Course with the
trail through the Stocklmeir Property
McClellan Ranch
N/A 2,000 square foot environmental education center with
2 classrooms,an office,and restrooms to be built on
an existing building pad formerly occupied by a
double-wide trailer
Parking lot-31 spaces No change
68 community garden plots 70 community garden plots
Area for 4-H facility-17,277 sq.ft. Area for 4-H facility—27,800 sq.ft.
N/A A bus turnout on McClellan Rd would be located in
front of Simms property
Fishing on Stevens Creek is regulated by the State as set forth by the 2006 California
Freshwater Sport Fishing Regulations(a copy of which can be found at:
http://www.fgc.ca.gov/2006/06freshfishregbook.pdf). The proposed improvements would not
affect fishing as allowed by these regulations.
2.4.1 Blackberry Farm
Blackberry Farm was a family-owned and operated picnic facility for 37 years until 1991
when Cupertino residents approved a 2 '/s cent utility user's tax to purchase Blackberry Farm to
preserve the land for public open space. Currently,this 33-acre recreational facility offers a
creekside park setting for family and group picnics(see Photo 1 and Fig.6),swimming pools, a
9-hole golf course and conference center. The park primarily serves the needs of large organized
groups wishing to reserve outdoor picnic facilities for special functions. There is a day use fee
for the picnic grounds/pool use and pool use only.
Stevens Creek Corridor Park Master Plan and Restoration Plan Initial Study
City of Cupertino—April 2006
Figure 13.McClellan Ranch
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10/2/2012
Environmental Education Center
Service Programs
• Pre-school field trips & parent-tot program
• 3rd grade creek study program
• K-6 school nature program
• High school field studies
• Summer youth camp
• Saturday nature program
• College field trips & research program
• San Jose Conservation Corps training
Environmental Education Center
Architectural Program
• Two classrooms (larger & smaller)
• Resource center with reference library
• Small wet lab area
• Exhibits - live animal, plant, nature
• Teacher stations
• Naturalist office
• Restrooms
• Building infrastructure & circulation
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•
10/2/2012
Environmental Education Center
Plan Approvals
• 2006—Stevens Creek Corridor (SCC) Park and Trail
Master Plan , including Initial Study/Mitigated
Negative Declaration
— identified location of EEC
• 2012 - McClellan Ranch Master Plan Update,
conformed with 2006 SCC Park and Trail Master Plan
for EEC location and prioritized EEC as Tier 1 project
for implementation
Environmental 1 = j ;�'%•.r '!I, ,,L.,7//i,
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10/2/2012
Environmental Education Center (EEC)
& Outdoor Gathering Shelter
Merge the EEC and the Outdoor Gathering Shelter
(funded by 2012-13 CIP Budget) into a joint project
• Use space independently or jointly, allowing greater
flexibility for conducting learning, research, and
stewardship programs
• Benefit to plan, design and construct projects at
the same time —to achieve design consistency,
minimize disruption of site, improve purchase value
Environmental Education Center
Proposed Project Schedule
• Select consultant, negotiate
& execute agreement by 11/02/2012
• Conceptual Design by 11/30/2012
• Schematic Design by 01/11/2013
• Design Development by 03/01/2013
• Construction Documents by 05/31/2013
• Bid, award, execute contract by 08/02/2013
• Construction (15 months) by 10/30/2014
• Contract close-out by 12/30/2014
• Submit for grant reimbursement by 03/30/2015
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