Day 1999.01.06CS

Mr. Delbert Berg, a resident of Vacaville and Lagoon Valley, addressed the Commission and stated that he wanted to make the Commission aware of some of the plans that developers have for the Lagoon Valley area. He told the Commission that Saddleback Parkway on the western edge of the park will be a four-lane road which would run through a six acre wetlands area. The developers want to buy part of the park to make this road. Next to I-80, there would be a 110 foot buffer zone area. At the southern end of the park, in the area of Hines Nursery, an 18 hole golf course is proposed. Mr. Berg feels that some consideration needs to be taken regarding the future plans for Lagoon Valley.

Mr. Berg stated that the lake was not properly designed or built, and the dam has a very small gate, approximately 2’ x 3’ . A representative from Fish and Game has stated that the gateway is too small. If the gate were the appropriate size to accommodate the amount of water coming in so it could continue going out, the lake would not have a silt problem. Mr. Berg suggested opening the gate, letting the water and fish go downstream, letting the lake dry up, killing the weeds, and re-doing the bottom of the lake correctly. He feels there are volunteers in the community who would help on this project.

Director Celestre stated that the area outside of the lake management plan and the master plan areas would fall under purview of the Lagoon Valley Policy Plan and concerns about those areas would be better addressed through the Planning Commission. She pointed out the boundary of area under discussion with regard to the agenda item. The area west of the lake is privately owned land, and any development would have to comply with the Lagoon Valley Policy Plan (approved in 1990). The Lagoon Valley Policy Plan is up for renewal this year.

George Gaudet, a resident of Lagoon Valley, addressed the Commission and stated that a lot of residents are concerned with what happens to Lagoon Valley. If the golf course goes in, the people of Vacaville should not have to pay taxes on the proposed golf course. He feels that the developers should be responsible for maintenance costs.

Adrienne Beltram then addressed the Commission and stated that a lot of people care about the Lagoon Valley area and what happens to it, as it is a very important part of Vacaville. She suggested that maybe to leave the area natural, is enough.

Donna Harr, a resident of Lagoon Valley and member of the Solano County Citizens Land Alliance stated that public input is needed on what happens to the park and at the time that something does happen to the valley, residents will address the issue because they are concerned.

Chair Kidder stated that Senior Citizens Advisory Committee report is in the packet as part of the Consent Calendar. Dick Koelling, Senior Sports Coordinator with the Department, is working on a Senior Sports Resource Directory (item 10b in their report). Mr. Koelling is requesting that staff look at starting to work on the project. He said that Mr. Koelling approached him after the last Senior Advisory Committee and told him of the Committee’ s desire to see bocce ball and shuffleboard courts outside the Senior Center.

Director Celestre stated that it appears that space outside to accommodate such activities is going to be limited at the senior center. The senior center will close June 1 to begin the expansion process. Once the Creekwalk project gets under way, something may be able to be worked out for location for a bocce ball court, shuffleboard, or horseshoe pits near the Senior Center.

Commissioner Lloyd-Butterfield stated that item 10 in the Senior Citizens packet is for a Sports Resource Directory, and not specific plans for the location of certain activities. Landscape Architect Farrington stated that a bocce ball court is located at City Hall Park, and there are horseshoe pits throughout neighborhood parks in Vacaville. Commissioner Lloyd-Butterfield asked for clarification of the Sports Directory. Dorothy Locke, Chair of the Senior Citizens Advisory Committee, stated that the intent of the sports directory would be what kind and where sports activities are available within Vacaville.

Landscape Architect Farrington then addressed the Commission and gave an update of the revised timeline, and the goals and objectives for Lagoon Valley Park. Last month, the City Council approved the Lake Management Plan. LSA, an environmental firm has been chosen to proceed with the project. Meetings have been scheduled with several jurisdictional agencies (county, state, and federal) that need to be consulted. During the process of developing the lake plan, ideas received from public meetings will be looked at. A meeting was held in December with the consultant, and meetings will be held in early January with the jurisdictional agencies. By February 26, a preliminary master plan will be developed based on the public hearings.

In March, City staff will review a 75% draft submittal of the lake management plan with a 100% draft back for review by staff and the jurisdictional agencies by March 26. By June 18, the lake plan will be revised, and submitted to the City. On July 7, the Commission will review the draft plan and public comments will be received at that time. On July 27, the City Council will review the draft master plan and the lake management plan, and it will come back to the Council again on August 10. After that, a conditional use permit will be obtained.

The consultant has a wide-ranged background, as well as a fishery expert who works with small lakes to keep sustainable fisheries, and an overall quality to a lake. The consultant also has a recreational background. The update tonight is informational only.

Senior Recreation Supervisor Fox stated that the staff report included in the packet gives an oversight of the idea by the Cultural Arts Advisory Committee to form a sub-committee to look at pieces of art and murals downtown. The plan would include how artists are selected, who would be on the sub-committee, the actual piece of art itself, and the approval process. The downtown area is a special area and the murals that would be placed would be historical or would go with the area. This item is for information only. It will be brought up again at the Cultural Arts Committee Meeting on Wednesday, January 13. A representative form the Downtown Business Association will attend. It is hoped to receive input from the people who work downtown to produce something of quality to the area. There is a $5,000 start-up budget for this project.

Senior Recreation Supervisor Fox stated that the new Events Guide is being distributed to all households in Vacaville. The guide shows diversity of the Department’ s programs. Commissioners are encouraged to attend some of the events and programs.

Landscape Architect Farrington stated the Vacaville Youth Soccer League has begun stockpiling sand at Centennial Park, and will begin construction of new soccer fields in the Spring. The Public Works Department has been helpful in constructing a pathway between Arlington Park and Foxboro School. The Creekwalk project will be out to bid next week.

Parks Superintendent Simons stated that Morgan Fence Company has begun installation of the fences at the Keating Parks ball diamonds, and at Larsen Field. Parks Maintenance has been busy removing the holiday lights in the downtown area. A new playground is being installed at the Alamo TGIFun site on January 11.

Director Celestre stated that each year the City Manager, John Thompson, puts out a combined list of accomplishments of all Departments. A condensed list of the Community Services Department’ s accomplishments was shared with Commissioners. This condensed list shows that Department staff has been very active and creative over the past year.

Commissioner Lloyd-Butterfield stated that a lot of useful material is displayed in the lobby of the Senior Center. The atmosphere of the Center has improved significantly with lots of events and activities.