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03 Staff Report - Approving Master Plan for Balzer FieldMEETING DATE: 12/07/09 ITEM NO: COUNCIL AGENDA REPORT DATE: NOVEMBER 24, 2009 TO: MAYOR AND TOWN COUNCIL FROM: GREG LARSON, TOWN MANAGER SUBJECT: ADOPT RESOLUTION APPROVING THE MASTER PLAN FOR BALZER FIELD RECOMMENDATION: Adopt Resolution approving the Master Plan for Balzer Field. BACKGROUND: 3 On June 2, 2008, the Town Council approved a report and recommendations regarding needed community and youth sports facilities and the disposition of Town land within Vasona Lake County Park. Included in this report was a recommendation for staff to develop Park Master Plans for both Balzer Field and Blossom Hill Park. The intent of these Master Plans is to document current conditions and use of these sites, formally designating them as youth sports facilities. The Balzer Field Master Plan was developed and presented for community input through the Parks Commission on November 3, 2009 and was subsequently presented to the Planning Commission on November 18, 2009 in order to obtain a Conditional Use Permit. Both Commissions recommended approval and the plan is now being brought forward for consideration and approval by the Town Council. DISCUSSION: Youth recreation spaces are an important and valued resource within the community. Parks and recreation facilities provide benefits such as entertainment, fitness, relaxation and a sense of community. A recreation and open space inventory for the Town of Los Gatos was prepared in 2008, as part of the background information for the Town General Plan update, scheduled to be completed in 2010. Of the sports facilities identified in this inventory, few are directly owned and operated by the Town itself. These sports facilities are among the most heavily used PREPARED BY: TODD CAPURSO Director of Parks and Public Works Reviewed by: Assistant Town Manager (t/jzVTown Attorney Clerk Administrator Finance Community evelopment N:\PPW\MANAGEMENT\COUNCIL\COUNCIL REPORTS\2009 reports\December 7\Balzer Field Master Plan.doc PAGE 2 NOVEMBER 24, 2009 MAYOR AND TOWN COUNCIL SUBJECT: BALZER FIELD MASTER PLAN DISCUSSION (cont'd): resources within the town. A comprehensive assessment of the Town's Parks System, completed in May of 2008, identified a need for Master Plans for each of the Town's 14 parks. Given the demand for the sports facilities at Balzer Field and Blossom Hill Park, it was recommended that these Master Plans be completed prior to others. Securing these facilities for their current uses will ensure the continued availability and use of existing baseball fields and tennis courts. From this point, the Town can better evaluate the existing inventory of parks and land resources, and address additional youth and community recreation needs. The Master Plan for Balzer Field is based on the premise that the existing park is appreciated as an important resource for its community. From public comments, it is clear that there is a general appreciation of Balzer Field as an important youth sports facility within the Town. From a broader perspective, the Town's youth population is increasing, and there will be a growing need for dedicated sports and recreation facilities in the future. There are limited places within the Town where this need for sports facilities can be fulfilled. Site Description Balzer Field is a Town Park, consisting of approximately 0.8 acres within the Town of Los Gatos, adjacent to State Highway 17, the RJ Bryant Service Center, and the Los Gatos Creek Trail. The park includes a baseball field, batting cage, restroom facility, snack shack, storage, and two shared parking lot areas. Shared Parking Area #1 is used by the Town Engineering employees and visitors during weekday business hours, and by the Balzer Field visitors during evening and weekend hours. Shared Parking Area #2 is used for downtown parking overflow, as part of the Town's parking master plan, as well as Los Gatos Creek Trail users and Balzer Field visitors. The facility is currently maintained by Los Gatos Little League through a formal use agreement with the Town. The hours of use vary throughout the year, but generally include Mondays through Friday from noon until dusk, and weekend daytime use. Specific hours of operation are detailed in the Use Agreement with Los Gatos Little League. Site uses bordering the park are: • Multi -family residential to the north and west. • State Highway 17 (freeway) on the east side. • Parks and Public Works Storage on the south. The main vehicle access for the park is via Miles Ave, off University Avenue. Miles Avenue leads directly to the shared parking areas for the facility. Pedestrian access is either via Miles Ave, or directly off the Los Gatos Creek Trail. PAGE 3 NOVEMBER 24, 2009 MAYOR AND TOWN COUNCIL SUBJECT: BALZER FIELD MASTER PLAN DISCUSSION (cont'd): Public Comments Staff conducted community outreach in the local neighborhood regarding the Master Plan. Community meeting notices were prepared and sent to the local residents, and a public meeting was held through the Parks Commission on November 3, 2009 to solicit comments and feedback on the Master Plan. One member of the community, representing the Los Gatos Little League, attended the meeting and spoke in support of maintaining the facility as a little league field. No other community input was provided. The Parks Commission unanimously voted to recommend bringing the Master Plan forward to the Town Council, and the Conditional Use Permit application to the Planning Commission. The Conditional Use Permit was approved by the Planning Commission on November 18, 2009. CONCLUSION: Staff recommends the Town Council adopt a Resolution approving the Master Plan for Balzer Field. ENVIRONMENTAL ASSESSMENT: This project is Categorically Exempt according to Section 15323 Class 23 of CEQA as adopted by the Town, which exempts permitting an existing facility with no expansion. FISCAL IMPACT: There is no fiscal impact to the Town. Attachments: 1. Resolution approving the Park Master Plan for Balzer Field (Exhibit A) 2. Planning Commission Staff Report, regular meeting of November 18, 2009 Attachment 1 RESOLUTION RESOLUTION OF THE TOWN COUNCIL OF THE TOWN OF LOS GATOS APPROVING THE MASTER PLAN FOR BALZER FIELD WHEREAS, the Town of Los Gatos desires to document current conditions and use of Balzer Field, and formally designate Balzer Field as a youth sports facility; and WHEREAS, on June 2, 2008, the Town Council recommended staff develop Park Master Plans for both Balzer Field and Blossom Hill Park; and WHEREAS, on November 3, 2009, the Parks Commission of the Town of Los Gatos recommended the adoption of the Master Plan for Balzer Field; and WHEREAS, on November 18, 2009, the Planning Commission of the Town of Los Gatos approved the Conditional Use Permit Application U-09-022, with conditions. NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED that the Town Council of the Town of Los Gatos hereby approves the attached Master Plan for Balzer Field, dated November 13th 2009, and prepared by the Parks and Public Works Department of the Town of Los Gatos. PASSED AND ADOPTED at a regular meeting of the Town Council held on the 7th day of December, 2009 by the following vote: COUNCIL MEMBERS: AYES: NAYS: ABSENT: ABSTAIN: SIGNED: ATTEST: MAYOR OF THE TOWN OF LOS GATOS LOS GATOS, CA CLERK ADMINISTRATOR OF THE TOWN OF LOS GATOS LOS GATOS, CALIFORNIA Balzer Field Master Plan Parks & Public Works Department Town of Los Gatos Balzer Field Master Plan Purpose and Scope This Master Plan documents the current conditions and use of Balzer Field. The planning process, which has led to this document, has been sponsored by the Town of Los Gatos Parks and Public Works Department, and the Town of Los Gatos Parks Commission. Information and proposals in this report are based on comments from public meetings, field investigations and the review of previous reports and documents. Project Background Balzer Field was constructed in the 1950's, as a youth baseball facility. Little League operations have been conducted at this park under a contractual agreement with Los Gatos Little League since 1958. Over the years, several capital improvements have been made to the facility, including the construction of a snack bar in 1968, and a new restroom facility in 2008. The park currently consists of a baseball diamond, including infield and outfield grass and dirt, fences that surround the field of play, bleachers, dugouts, and a batting cage. Other facilities supporting the park include an electronic scoreboard, snack shack, storage room, and two bathrooms. An on -site parking lot is available for park users. In June of 2008, the Town of Los Gatos Council approved a report that identified a need for community and youth sports facilities. As part of the plan to secure such facilities, Town staff committed to developing a Master Plan for Balzer Field, to document the intended use of this park as a ball field. Balzer Field Restrooms and Snack Shack 1 The Planning Process The master planning process for Balzer Field began with an inventory of current site elements. A public meeting to hear ideas and comments from various park users, neighbors and Park Commissioners was held on November 3, 2009 and was attended by 2 individuals representing Los Gatos Little League. Based on the site inventory as well as public comments, a preliminary master plan document and drawing was prepared in November of 2009. The Master Plan was subsequently presented to the Los Gatos Planning Commission in November of 2009, and the Los Gatos Town Council in December of 2009 for final approval. Site Description Balzer Field is a Town Park, consisting of approximately 0.8 acres within the Town of Los Gatos, adjacent to State Highway 17, the RJ Bryant Service Center, _ and the Los Gatos Creek Trail. The park includes a baseball field, batting cage, restroom facility, snack shack, storage, and two shared parking lot areas. Shared Parking Area #1 is used by the Town Engineering employees and visitors during weekday business hours, and by the Balzer Field visitors during evening and weekend hours. Shared Parking Area #2 is used for downtown parking overflow, as part of the Town's parking master plan, as well as Los Gatos Creek Trail users and Balzer Field visitors. The facility is currently maintained by Los Gatos Little League through a formal use agreement with the Town. The hours of use vary throughout the year, but generally include Mondays through Friday from noon until dusk, and weekend daytime use. Specific hours of operation are detailed in the Use Agreement with Los Gatos Little League. Balzer Field 2 Surroundings and Entries Site uses bordering the park are: • Multi -family residential to the north and west. • State Highway 17 (freeway) on the east side. • Parks and Public Works Storage on the south. The main vehicle access for the park is via Miles Ave, off University Avenue. Miles Avenue leads directly to the shared parking areas for the facility. Pedestrian access is either via Miles Ave, or directly off the Los Gatos Creek Trail. Los Gatos Creek Trail Entrance Recreation Needs A recreation and open space inventory for the Town of Los Gatos was prepared in 2008, as part of the background information for the Town General Plan update, scheduled to be completed in 2010. Of the sports facilities identified in this inventory, few are directly owned and operated by the Town itself. These sports facilities are among the most heavily used resources within the town. A comprehensive assessment of the Town's Parks System, completed in May of 2008, identified a need for Master Plans for each of the Town's 14 parks. Given the demand for the sports facilities at Balzer Field and Blossom Hill Park, it was recommended that these Master Plans be completed first. Securing these facilities for their current uses will ensure the continued availability and use of existing baseball fields and tennis courts. From this point, the Town can evaluate the existing inventory of parks and land resources, and address additional youth recreation needs. 3 Goals and Objectives Goals are a general statement of purpose. They represent the long-range direction of a planning project. Discussion and agreement on a clear statement of goals at the beginning of a planning process is helpful to focus the ideas and proposals that follow. General Goals General planning documents for the Town spell out various long term objectives for planning and development. Many of these are applicable to the Master Plan for Balzer Field and are summarized below in order to set a general context for the master planning process: • Encourage private/public funding, development and operation of activities and centers consistent with the small town character of Los Gatos. • Promote a system of Town parks and trails and maximize the use public utility easements, flood control channels, school grounds and other quasi - public areas for recreational uses and play fields. • Recognize the special needs of children. Balzer Field Bleachers Specific Goals The specific goals that relate to the use and development of Balzer Field are as follows: • Ensure the continued availability of this facility as a baseball field, serving the youth of the Town of Los Gatos. • Secure the facility amenities, including shared parking areas, to support the ongoing uses of this park. 4 Master Plan This master plan for Balzer Field is based on the premise that the existing park is appreciated as an important resource for its community. From public comments, it is clear that there is a general appreciation of Balzer Field as an important youth sports facility within the Town. From a larger perspective, the Town's youth population is increasing, and there will be a growing need for dedicated sports and recreation facilities. There are limited places within the Town where this need for sports facilities can be fulfilled. The facility has undergone recent restroom renovations, completed in 2008. There are no other facility improvements planned at this time. Figure 1 provides a basic layout of the park, and identifies key facilities and uses. RESTROOM SNACK SHACK 346.7 BALZER BASEBALL FIELD MASTER PLAN IO/291O9 NOT TO SCALF. Figure 1— Balzer Field Master Plan 1'AGF. 201'2 5 Master Plan Implementation This plan is expected to be adopted by Town Council by the end of 2009, securing the existing conditions and uses. There are no additional improvements or site changes proposed for the park at this time. Any future proposed uses of this facility will go through a Master Plan process, and this Plan would be amended to reflect any such adopted changes. Balzer Field Sign 6 TOWN OF LOS GATOS PLANNING COMMISSION STAFF REPORT Meeting Date: November 18, 2009 PREPARED BY: Christine Wolter, Acting Parks Superintendent cwolter@losgatosea.gov ATTACHMENT 2 APPLICATION NO.: Conditional Use Permit Application U-09-022 LOCATION: 41 Miles Avenue APPLICANT: Town of Los Gatos PROPERTY OWNER: Town of Los Gatos CONTACT PERSON: Christine Wolter APPLICATION SUMMARY: Requesting approval for the Balzar Field Master Plan to permit existing uses on property zoned RC. APN 529-05-049. RECOMMENDATION: Strong Approval PROJECT DATA: CEQA: FINDINGS: General Plan Designation: Open Space Zoning Designation: RC — Resource Conservation Applicable Plans & Standards: Los Gatos General Plan; Central Los Gatos Redevelopment Plan Parcel Size: 0.8 acres Surrounding Area: 1 Existing Land Use General Plan j Zoning North I Multi -Family Res. Med. Density Res., 5-12 du/acre 1 RM-5:12 East I Highway 17 n/a 1 n/a South PPW Storage i Public 1 RM-5:12 West Multi -Family Res. I Med. Density Res., 5-12 du/acre 1 RM-5:12 The project is Categorically Exempt according to Section 15323 of the State Environmental Guidelines as adopted by the Town because the project consists of permitting an existing facility, where there is past history of the facility being used for the same or similar kind of purpose. ■ As required by Section 15323 of the State Environmental Guidelines as adopted by the Town that this project is Categorically Exempt. ■ As required by Section 29.20.190 of the Town Code for granting a Conditional Use Permit. Planning Commission Staff Report - Page 2 41 Miles Ave — Balzer Field/U-09-022 November 18, 2009 • As required by Section IV.B of the Redevelopment Plan for the Central Los Gatos Redevelopment Project that it meets the use set forth in the Town's General Plan. CONSIDERATIONS: None. ACTION: EXHIBITS: BACKGROUND: The decision of the Planning Commission is final unless appealed within ten days. 1. Location Map 2. Findings and Considerations 3. Conditions of Approval On May 21, 1969, the Planning Commission approved a Conditional Use Permit at this site for a Little League shelter at the existing baseball facility. On June 2, 2008, the Town. Council approved a report and recommendations regarding needed community and youth sports facilities and the disposition of Town land within Vasona Lake County Park (Vasona Park). At this time, staff committed to Council the development of Master Plans for Balzer Field and Blossom Hill Park. The intent of these Master Plans is to document current conditions and use of these facilities. The Balzer Field Master Plan was developed and presented for community input through the Parks Commission on November 3, 2009, and is now being brought forward for adoption by the Planning Commission. PROJECT DESCRIPTION: A. Conditional Use Permit The applicant is requesting approval to continue to use Balzer Field as a baseball facility, consistent with operations of this park since 1958. B. Location and Surrounding Neighborhood The project site is located at 41 Miles Avenue. The property is east of Los Gatos Creek and the Los Gatos Creek Trail, west of Highway 17 and north of a Town yard used for landscaping supplies. Planning Commission Staff Report - Page 3 41 Miles Ave— Balzer Field/U-09-022 November 18, 2009 C. Zoning Compliance The subject parcel contains Balzer Field and the Town's Corporation Yard, and has two zoning designations. The Corporation Yard is zoned RM-5:12:LHP (Multi -family Residential, 5 to 12 dwelling units per acre, with a Landmark and Historic Preservation overlay). Balzer Field is zoned RC (Resource Conservation), Outdoor sports and recreation activity is a permitted use for RC zoning. ANALYSIS: A. Current Facility Use Balzer Field is a 0.8 acre park, used to provide organized baseball team practice and competition, primarily for youth between the ages of six and twelve. The park includes a baseball field, batting cage, restroom facility, snack shack, storage, and parking lot area. The facility is currently maintained by Los Gatos Little League through a formal use agreement with the Town. The hours of use vary throughout the year, but generally include Mondays through Friday from noon until dusk and weekend daytime use. Specific hours of operation are detailed in the Use Agreement with Los Gatos Little League. This park has been used for Little League operations since 1958. B. Parking There are two shared parking facilities on the site. Shared Parking Area #1, located at the northern end of the field, is used for the Engineering building operations, visitors during weekday business hours, and for the field users after hours and on weekends. Shared Parking Area #2, located at the southern end of the field, is used for downtown parking (overflow and holiday parking), trail use, and the field. A parking study was conducted in 2004, as part of a proposal to construct a skate park in the current parking facility at Balzer Field. The survey concluded that the parking demand on Miles Avenue is low and that the on and off street parking demand is less than the existing available parking supply. Given that there are no proposed changes for use of this parking area, it has been determined that no additional parking studies are needed at this time. In addition, there is adequate on street parking available on Miles Avenue if there is an unusually high peak parking demand. C. Traffic Based on the current usage of the park, vehicular traffic generated by the park on an hourly basis is relatively low. A traffic study was not required since the use of the facility is not changing, consistent with the Town Traffic Impact Policy. Planning Commission Staff Report - Page 4 41 Miles Ave — Balzer Field/U-09-022 November 18, 2009 D. General Plan The proposed use meets the following goals and policies of the General Plan: • L.P.1.11 Encourage private/public funding, development and operation of activities and centers consistent with the small town character of Los Gatos. • O.P.1.5 Promote a system of Town parks and trails and maximize the use public utility easements, flood control channels, school grounds and other quasi -public areas for recreational uses and play fields. • HS.G.7.1 Recognize the special needs of children. E. Environmental Review The project is Categorically Exempt according to Section 15323 Class 23 of CEQA as adopted by the Town, which exempts permitting an existing facility with no expansion. F. Conditional Use Permit Findings In order to grant approval of a Conditional Use Permit, the hearing body must make the following findings: (1) The proposed uses of the property are essential or desirable to the public convenience or welfare; and (2) The proposed uses will not impair the integrity and character of the zone; and (3) The proposed uses would not be detrimental to public health, safety or general welfare; and (4) The proposed uses of the property are in harmony with the various elements or objectives of the General Plan and the purposes of the Town Code. In regards to the first finding, this facility has met a public need for sports facility since 1958. Continuing the use of this facility for such purpose fulfills an essential need for the youth in the community. In regards to the second and third finding, this facility has been used for the purposes of youth baseball since 1958, and no additional uses are proposed at this time. This use will be consistent with the historical integrity and character of the zone, and has not been detrimental to public health, safety, or general welfare. In regards to the final finding, the proposed use meets the objectives of the General Plan and Town Code as discussed within this report. PUBLIC COMMENTS: Staff has conducted outreach to the local neighborhood regarding this application. Community meeting notices were prepared and sent to the local residents, and a public meeting was held through the Parks Commission on November 3, 2009, to solicit comments and feedback on the Planning Commission Staff Report - Page 5 41 Miles Ave — Balzer Field/U-09-022 November 18, 2009 Master Plan. One member of the community, representing the Los Gatos Little League attended the meeting, and spoke in support of maintaining the facility as a little league field. No other community input was provided. The Parks Commission voted to recommend bringing the Master Plan forward to the Town Council, and the Conditional Use Permit application to the Planning Commission. SUMMARY AND RECOMMENDATION: A. Summary Staff recommends approval of a Conditional Use Permit for Balzer Field, documenting the current conditions and use of this facility. There are no additional proposed uses for the facility at this time. A Park Master Plan has been developed to provide documentation of the current use of this property. B. Recommendation If the Planning Commission finds merit with the proposal, it should: 1. Find that the proposed project is categorically exempt, pursuant to Section 15323 of the California Environmental Quality Act as adopted by the Town (Exhibit 2); and 2. Make the required findings as required by Section 29.20.190 of the Town Code for granting approval of a Conditional Use Permit (Exhibit 2); and 3. Recommend approval Conditional Use Permit application U-09-022, subject to the conditions contained in Exhibit 3. If the Commission has concerns with the application, it can: 1. Recommend approval of the application to Council with additional and/or modified conditions of approval, or 2. Recommend denial of the application. Prepared by: Approved b Christine Wolter e ie R. R• • y Acting Parks Superintendant Director of Community Development WRR:CW:cgt N:1IEV\REP ORTS\2009WI it cs41.doe 41 Miles Avenue REQUIRED FINDINGS FOR: 41 Miles Avenue Conditional Use Permit U-09-022 Requesting approval for the Balzer Field Master Plan to permit existing uses on property zoned RC. APN 529-05-049. PROPERTY OWNER: Town of Los Gatos APPLICANT: Town of Los Gatos — Parks and Public Works Department FINDINGS Required finding for CEQA: • The project is Categorically Exempt pursuant to Section 15323 of the State Environmental Guidelines as adopted by the Town in that the project consists of permitting an existing facility, where there is past history of the facility being used for the same or similar kind of purpose. Required findings for a Conditional Use Permit: ■ As required by Section 29.20.190 of the Town Code for granting a Conditional Use Permit: The deciding body, on the basis of the evidence submitted at the hearing, may grant a conditional use permit when specifically authorized by the provisions of the Town Code if it finds that: (1) The proposed uses of the property are essential or desirable to the public convenience or welfare in that this facility has met a public need for a sports facility since 1958. Continuing the use of this facility for such purpose fulfills an essential need for the youth in the community; and (2) The proposed uses will not impair the integrity and character of the zone in that this facility has been used for the purposes of youth baseball since 1958, and no additional uses are proposed at this time; and (3) The proposed uses would not be detrimental to public health, safety or general welfare in that this facility has been used for the purposes of youth baseball since 1958, and no additional uses are proposed at this time; and (4) The proposed uses of the property are in harmony with the various elements or objectives of the General Plan and the purposes of the Town Code in that the proposed use meets the objectives of the General Plan and Town Code, as discussed within the staff report. Required finding for the Redevelopment Plan for the Central Los Gatos Redevelopment Project Area: • That the proposed project is consistent with the Redevelopment Plan for the Central Los Gatos Redevelopment Project Area (Section IV.B). N:1DEV\FINDINGS120091Main41.doc EXHIBIT 2 RECOMMENDED CONDITIONS OF APPROVAL —November 18, 2009 41 Miles Avenue Conditional Use Permit U-09-022 Requesting approval for the Balzer Field Master Plan to permit existing uses on property zoned RC. APN 529-05-049. PROPERTY OWNER: Town of Los Gatos APPLICANT: Town of Los Gatos — Parks and Public Works Department TO THE SATISFACTION OF THE DIRECTOR OF COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT: Planning Division 1. APPROVAL. This application shall be completed in accordance with all of the conditions of approval listed below and in substantial compliance with the Master Plan approved and included as Attachment A to these conditions of approval. Any changes or modifications to the approved plans shall be approved by the Community Development Director, the Development Review Committee, the Planning Commission, or Town Council, depending on the scope of the changes. 2. APPROVED USE. The subject approval is for the Balzer Field Master Plan. Approved uses are Little League and other baseball field use (i.e. bleachers, restrooms, snack shack, and storage). Additional temporary uses may be approved through the Parks and Public Works Department Special Use Permit process. 3. HOURS OF OPERATION. Maximum hours of operation shall be sum-ise to sunset, seven days a week. N:\DEV\CONDrtNS\2039 \Milesd I .doc EXHIBIT 3 TOWN OF LOS GATOS PLANNING COMMISSION STAFF REPORT Meeting Date: November 18, 2009 PREPARED BY: ATTACHMENT 2 Christine Wolter, Acting Parks Superintendent cwolter@losgatosca.gov APPLICATION NO.: Conditional Use Permit Application U-09-022 LOCATION: 41 Miles Avenue APPLICANT: Town of Los Gatos PROPERTY OWNER: Town of Los Gatos CONTACT PERSON: Christine Wolter APPLICATION SUMMARY: Requesting approval for the Balzar Field Master Plan to permit existing uses on property zoned RC. APN 529-05-049. REMARKS: Attached is Attachment A for the Conditions of Approval (Exhibit 3), which was not included with the original report. Prepared by: Christine Wolter Acting Parks Superintendant WRR:SLB:cgt N:tDE V\REPORTS\2009\miles41.ad.doc CknCLu\ pproved by: I endie R. Rooney Director of Community Development