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HomeMy WebLinkAbout07/07/1992, 10 - OFFER TO DESIGN AND BUILD A CHINESE GARDEN FOR THE CITY �VI�IMI�IIII�„�I�I�III MEETING DATE: II I��I cityo San ', .is oBispo July 7, 1992 COUNCIL AGENDA REPORT Imo”"NUMBER: O From: John Dunn, City Administrative Officer Subject: Offer to design and build a Chine Gar n for the City CAO RECOMMENDATION: Consider various options for addressing the request for City assistance in the development of a Chinese Garden. DISCUSSION• Background Some weeks ago I was asked by the Mayor to meet with him and Dr. Alice Loh regarding the offer presented at an earlier Council meeting, for her group to design and build a Chinese Garden within the community. As you recall, at that time the City Council referred this matter back to staff for further analysis. I shared the attached staff memorandum at the meeting. This memorandum was to form the basis of a staff report for transmittal to the City Council. However, there was the feeling that it did not directly respond to the issue of City support and where the Chinese Garden should go. The essential question that was being raised at the meeting was, hat does it take to bring the Chinese Garden into being? Though we all agreed with the desirability of having a Chinese Garden in San Luis Obispo, the basic question boiled down to, where does it go and who provides the land? According to Dr. Loh, it will take some party who is willing to donate five to ten acres to make this project succeed. I indicated that I would draft a Council Agenda Report, with the staff memorandum attached, and attempt to give the City Council some clear- cut options as to how the City might proceed. These options are outlined below: Options for Proceeding 1. The Council could direct that the staff come up with a recommended- site ecommendedsite for a Chinese Garden. This direction would be with the realization that, as of this point, there is no clear-cut answer to the location/land-donation issue, and the City either would have to designate a piece of land that it presently owns (which sites are limited or devoted to other purposes) , or commit to the future acquisition of additional land, or get another party to donate the land. a `j city of San l 3 osIspo filffinumdn COUNCIL AGENDA REPORT 2. The Council could determine that a portion of Laguna Lake Park adiacent to Madonna Road is an acceptable site for the Chinese Garden. I � As the Council is aware, this matter was referred to the Parks & Recreation Commission, and they recommended against the use of Laguna Lake Park for this purpose. The Council would have the prerogative of concurring with or countering this recommendation. 3 . The Council could direct the staff to budget for the purchase of fa five-to-ten acre parcel. Timing for this is not good for two primary reasons, one being the I City' s fiscal condition, intensified by the unresolved nature of the State budget crisis, and the other being the unfinished nature of the Open Space Element and, subsequently, the Parks Master Plan. I 4 . The Council could seek a gift of a five-to-ten acre parcel , and direct staff to develop suggestions on how this might be accomplished. I Such a donation would be more appropriately pursued by private individuals who are in support of the garden. Nevertheless, staff could attempt to offer additional thoughts on this. A donation of land by a private party might be very difficult to achieve. 5. The Council could direct that, when the City is able to purchase the "open space" portion of the Dalidio property, a portion of this property be set aside for this purpose. The three basic issues here are: (1) we do not know when this purchase will actually take place and; (2) the Council would have to determine that this particular use is consistent with the envisioned "open space" nature intended by the Council as the reason for its purchase; (3) even if the Council feels that Dalidio is an appropriate location, identifying it as such at this time may put the City in a weaker negotiating position for the property. 6. The Council coulc request that Dr. Loh continue to work with Cal Poly and ask that they cotisider the donation of land for this purpose. The sponsoring group has had communication with and has gained the support of the President of Cal Poly. They should continue to work with Cal Poly Administration to determine if there is the possibility of Cal Poly providing the land for the garden. According to President Baker ' s letter, there is more-than-ample educational justification for pursuing this option. I /D Z 4liriiiiiillllllllP�'i ���pll city of san l- 'Is OBISPO COUNCIL AGENDA REPORT The Council could support the recommendation outlined in the attached staff memorandum, with the added component of review by the Open Space Advisory Committee and subsequent consideration in the Parks Master Plan process. If we desire to pursue this idea as a longer term objective for the community, then my suggestion would be that the Council refer this matter immediately to the Open Space Advisory Committee for consideration as a part of their plan and, subsequently, to the Parks Master Plan preparation process. The Council could ask that the Chinese Garden sponsors provide the important additional information suggested in the attached memorandum. Overlaid on the above suggestions are the "selection criteria" which have been established by Dr. Loh and her group for a Chinese Garden site, basically relating to a high visibility location with easy public access. CAO Recommended Approach , While there are clearly a number of options available to the Council, I would suggest the following: A. Conceptually endorse the idea of locating a Chinese Garden in San Luis Obispo, but make no site decision at this time. iS. Determine that the lead role in pursuing the project should remain with private parties, and that the project should be based upon a premise of self-sufficiency ( it simply would not be realistic for the City to commit itself to an additional project at this time, given our current and anticipated financial situation) . i C. To assist in this endeavor, suggest that Dr. Loh formally structure and lead a project Steering Committee, to include City and Cal Poly representation, and interested representatives of the private sector. Based on the interest and support expressed by President Baker, (Attachment 2) , Cal Poly may be an important resource in assisting with the Committee and the project. ID. Among the first tasks of the Committee will be the development of a refined concept for project operation and maintenance, and to pursue the location issue through the Open Space Committee and, subsequently, the Parks Master Plan preparation process. Summarizing this Issue i 1. The Chinese Garden concept is an excellent idea, and would undoubtedly add a desirable facility which would be used by our residents for their enjoyment and attract visitors from other areas. °1ill�lr������lllllllli►'=IIIIII city of san I •s osispo soma COUNCIL AGENDA REPORT 2 . As of this point, we have no obvious answer to the site question, but would note that the open space and subsequent parks planning efforts offer processes which can help to establish a proposed location. I i 13 . While the idea is an excellent one, there is clearly a substantial number of issues and tasks associated with pursuing a project of this kind. While the City can assist in the effort to address these issues and tasks, the private parties should retain the lead role in development of the garden. If the City is to serve in the lead role, then there will be substantial workload impacts, since staff ' s work program has already been established through the budget process. This would be true even in good financial times, but is especially true at a time when we have reduced staff resources and may be making even further reductions in the coming months. I hope this report has helped to clarify some of the issues and options available with regard to pursuing the development of a Chinese Garden in San Luis Obispo. JD:mc Attachments• 1. Community Development Department memo and letter from Recreation Director and Dr. Loh 2 . Letter from Warren Baker h/pardenl I � I I i i I I I City of San Luis Obispo Community Development Department MEMORANDUM TO: John Dunn, CAO FROM: Arnold Jonas, Community Dev pment Director n Jeff Hook, Associate Plan DATE: June 23, 1992 SUBJECT: Consideration of a proposal by Chinese Garden SLO to develop a Chinese Garden in the City. STAFF RECOMMENDATION To allow coordination with other City goals and projects, direct Chinese Garden SLO to refine its proposal and submit additional information to be considered as part of the Parks and Recreation Element update targeted for consideration in 1993. BACKGROUND On February 5th the Parks and Recreation Commission conceptually supported the applicant's proposal to develop a Chinese Garden in the City. On Tuesday, February 18th the applicant, a non-profit community group called Chinese Garden SLO, presented their proposal to the City Council and raised the possibility of developing a Chinese Garden in the Dalidio expansion area. Following the Council meeting, the applicant met with Mayor Dunin and City staff members to discuss other possible City sites for the garden. Since then, the applicant and staff have met to clarify the proposal in an effort to determine the City's best course of action. On March 18th, Alice Loh submitted a letter re- emphasizing her group's interest in the project and asking for City Council direction regarding site selection and possible use of reclaimed City water. The item has been scheduled for Council review to determine the project's priority, given current budget objectives and constraints, and to determine the appropriate City action on the proposal. • Chinese Garden SLO Page 2 EVALUATION The applicants want to work with the City to design and install an ornamental Chinese Garden somewhere in the City. Although details have not been developed at this point, the applicants indicate that the ideal garden size would be-five to 10 acres, and would be a living tribute to the Chinese community which played such a key role in San Luis Obispo's development. While there has been some discussion of possible sites, even more fundamental questions of timing and development processing, economic feasibility, and operating responsibility have yet to be addressed. Before the applicant or staff spend additional time or effort on the proposal, it would be helpful for Council to answer these key questions: 1) Is a Chinese Garden esthetically,historically and horticulturally appropriate for San Luis Obispo? The Parks and Recreation Commission and staff believe that it is an appropriate concept. Chinese gardens are adaptable to our soils and climate, and could, depending on the site selected, enhance the City's beauty and cultural opportunities. Chinese-americans played and continue to play an important role in the town's growth and development, and the garden concept is an opportunity to recognize that contribution. 2) Is the project timely? The applicant's preferred location, the Dalidio expansion area, is in early planning stages and is not likely to be annexed to the City for several years. Staff believes the applicant wants to move forward with site selection, design and installation in a shorter time frame - - possibly within one to two years. Staff is completing a land value analysis of the Dalidio property, with negotiations regarding acquisition to follow. It would premature, therefore, to identify this property as the desired location for such a garden. Other site possibilities, already within the City, include: Laguna Lake Park, Mitchell Park, Santa Rosa Park, and French Park French Park is soon to be fully landscaped. The Parks and Recreation Commission supports the chinese garden concept, but does not support locating a chinese garden in Laguna Lake Park, due in part to questions of compatibility of a formal chinese garden with the Laguna Lake Park's planned uses and natural appearance (letter attached). 3) Should the City take a lead role? Up to this point, the applicant has initiated the project and promoted the concept with staff and City review bodies. If the project is to become a reality, detailed site selection and economic feasibility studies are needed. It is not clear whether the applicant is willing or able to conduct these studies. If the Council believes the proposal merits further study, Chinese Garden SLO Page 3 should the City initiate and fund this work? Given the City's current tight budget and substantial commitment of resources to projects such as updating several elements of the General Plan, City resources would have to be diverted from other projects to undertake this worthwhile community project. This approach is not recommended. 4) How should the garden be owned or managed? The applicant apparently intends to cover costs of designing and installing the garden if the. City would make the land available for the garden free of charge. It is not clear who would be responsible for the on-going operation and funding of the garden. Typically, botanic gardens and similar facilities are not financially self-supporting. As public cultural facilities, they require continuing governmental support in addition'to private donations. Before the City commits public land for the garden, there needs to be a clear understanding of mutual responsibilities for construction, funding, operation, and other issues key to the garden's long-term viability. Should the applicant submit additional information on this question, and should the City consider assuming responsibility for the garden's long-term operation? ALTERNATIVES 1. Determine that it is timely for the City to proceed with the garden project now, and direct staff to assist Chinese Garden SLO in site selection and preliminary planning, and in development review. If site selection and economic feasibility studies are desirable, direct the applicant to submit this information; or direct staff to return to the City Council with a specific study proposal and cost estimate. 2. Continue consideration of the item with direction to the applicant or staff as to additional information needed. Attachments: Letter from Chinese Garden SLO, Letter from Parks and Recreation Commission of citsAn tuis oBispo 990 Palm Street/Post Office Box 8100 • San Luis Obispo, CA 93403-8100 February 6, 1992 Professor Alice Loh, Chairperson Classical Chinese Gardens for SLO California Polytechnic State University San Luis Obispo, CA 93407 Dear Professor Loh: Thank you for your most informative program concerning the possibility of developing a Classical Chinese Garden for SIA as presented before the Park and Recreation.Commission (PRC) at their meeting of February 5, 1992. In formal action, the PRC voted unanimous conceptual support of the project as presented pending further study of funding sources, maintenance impacts and sight selection. Concerning possible sites, the PRC, by consensus, favored the Dalidio property as outlined by the students in their presentation because of the protection that would be offered the Classical Garden by the existing mature eucalyptus/cypress grove. The Commission, also by consensus, did not support the possibility of creating this Garden on the Laguna Lake Park property. (Further PRC comment concerning the Laguna Lake Park site is included in the Minutes of the February 5, 1992, PRC meeting.) In voting their conceptual support for developing a Classical Chinese Garden in SLO, individual Commissioners noted a number of positive impacts of such an addition to the City Park system. Flowing to the visitors of such a Garden would be an insight into the historical and cultural impact of the Chinese people in California in the early 1900s and the role of the Chinese community in San Luis Obispo. In addition, commissioners noted that the educational and cultural exchange generated by such a Garden would be continual as school classes, tourists and city residents experienced the many facets and tranquility of the facility. Again, we thank you and your class for your presentation and the PRC will be happy to assist you in any way we can as your plans proceed. Respectfully, j• San Luis Obispo City Parks and Recreation Co ssion Paul Orton, Chairman by Jim S ckton, Director of Recreation cc: Dunn, CAO Hampian, Asst. CAO P. Voges, City Clerk. /D -8' ' T CAL POLY CAL1 o=A POLr=mic STATE Umvusm June 8, 1992 SANLuis Omm, CA 93407 OmcE op TELE PEE wwwr (805) 756-6000 Professor Alice C. Loh. President GCDu n C I �- Chinese Garden SLO 1:711)u n y\ Post Office Box 4757 L San Luis Obispo. CA 93406 Dear Alice: It was a pleasure to. learn of your plans to establish a.classical Chinese Garden in San Luis Obispo: I think your idea is an excellent one, especially since I am told there is no such garden on the West Coast of the United States. The garden will play a significant role, not only in the Central Coast area, but also along.the Pacific Rim. The Chinese community has played an important role in the history of San Luis Obispo, and the Chinese faculty and staff have been a valuable asset to the Cal Poly community. The garden would appropriately symbolize the contributions made by the Chinese to our community at large. It would provide an environment to emphasize natural beauty, a place to introduce Chinese culture to the community, and would provide a setting for tranquil contemplation. Cal Poly would enthusiastically support this project on the basis that the project has the potential to provide relevance to projects for students in several disciplines, including landscape architecture, architecture, botany, engineering, and natural resources management. ' It offers the opportunity for unique hands-on experiences for everyone involved. I understand that Mayor Ron Dunin and Lane Wilson, Manager of Parks and Recreation, are members of the Steering Committee to establish the garden in San Luis Obispo. I am convinced that this project is an example of activities which enhance the relationship between Cal Poly and the city. I wish you the greatest success in this undertaking. Sincerely. R%;FIVE JUN 17 1992 Warren J. er C TMS 01 President cc: Peter Y. Lee, Dean. School of Engineering Paul Neel, Dean, School of Architecture and Environmental Design THE CALIFORNIA STATE UNIVERSITY ����� Y _ March 18, 1992 Mr. John Dunn City Administrator City of San Luis Oibspo P.O. Box 8100 San Luis Obispo,.CA 93403-8100 Dear Mr. Dunn: Further to our presentation to the Council on Tuesday, February 18, 1992, 1 had a meeting with Mayor Dunin, Jan Dileo, and Lane Wilson. During the meeting we evaluated 24 possible sites in the City, and narrowed them down to 5 sites. At the time, we decided to go on a reconnaissance field trip of the sites for further evaluation. People included in the field trip were the three mentioned above, myself, and two or more Commissioners from Parks and Recreation. Since then, I attended a Parks and Recreation Commissioners meeting. The result was two commissioners with two back-ups wish to be included in the field trip. However, Jan has since cancelled the field trip. Could you please ask Jan Dileo to arrange another field trip as soon as possible. In'addition, I am requesting the procedures the Garden committee is to follow for obtaining a site. We plan to use reclaimed water from the S.L.O. Sewage Plant for water features in the Garden as well as irrigating the plants. The water used in the water features will be recycled indefinitely except the loss through evaporation or percolation. Please advise us of the procedures we are to follow in applying for the reclaimed water rights. We need to submit our application as soon as possible as the competition for the water is keen. We would appreciate any advise that you and the Council members can give us. Sincerely, Alice C. Loh CL President Executive Board Chinese Garden SLO Tel: 543-9055 cc: Mayor Dunin, P. Rappa, P. Pinard,J. Reiss, B Roalman J. Dileo, L. Wilson, K. Bruce,.) Ho;k�=