REPORT TO COUNCIL
SUBJECT
Title
Follow Up and Update on the Relocation of the Butcher House to Orchard Heritage Park (Information Only)
Report
BACKGROUND
On April 5, 2016, staff presented Council with three alternatives for relocating the Butcher House to Orchard Heritage Park (RTC 16-0182). In general, the alternatives included locating the Butcher House within the orchard (Alternative 1), locating the Butcher House to the lawn area across from the museum (Alternative 2), or not relocating the Butcher House (Alternative 3). Council discussed the alternatives and members of the public spoke regarding the various options. Representatives of the museum also spoke and clarified that they would only proceed with moving the Butcher House if it was relocated to their preferred location in the orchard. A motion for Alternative 1, to relocate the Butcher House within the orchard (the location preferred by the Historical Society), failed on a 3-3 vote. A second motion was proposed for Alternative 2, however that motion died due to lack of a second.
An alternative motion was then proposed to relocate the maintenance yard and trash enclosure from its current location to the proposed location in the report and that the vacated area be appropriately and minimally landscaped. Since the motion did not preclude relocating the Butcher house in the future, minimizing work within the vacated area would assure that any new improvements that might require removal to accommodate the Butcher house would be minimal and low-cost.
This motion was approved 5-1 and staff was also requested to have additional discussions with the museum staff on alternatives that may exist that do not require any loss of orchard space (Attachment 1- Council meeting minutes). This report provides an update on the discussion with museum staff.
DISCUSSION
On Tuesday May 3, 2016, the City Manager, Deanna J. Santana, Director of Public Works, Manuel Pineda, and Assistant Director of Public Works, Craig Mobeck, met with Laura Babcock and Leslie Lawton of the Sunnyvale Historical Society and Museum Association (SHSMA). This meeting was a follow-up to Council’s direction of exploring other options for relocating the Butcher House that the SHSMA may be in favor and which do not require any loss of orchard space. Through the discussions the SHSMA made it clear that they still do not support any other options except for putting the Butcher House in the orchard.
The SHSMA understands that this may be a lost opportunity for relocating the Butcher House to Heritage Park but have indicated they have a broader vision of extending the museum grounds further to Michelangelo Drive. They referenced the potential to secure additional historical items in the future including various structures and a windmill. Because of this, the SHSMA explained that they could not compromise on the location of the Butcher House because it will confine the existing grounds and not align with the ultimate vision of expanding the museum grounds.
Staff discussed this vision with the SHSMA and recommended that, if there is a larger vision that they would like to be considered, then the vision should be presented to Council. From staff’s perspective, the most appropriate approach is through the Council Study Issue process. The SHSMA has expressed interest in moving forward with this process so the potential expansion of the facility can be considered. Staff has created draft Study Issue DPW 17-05 (File16-0566 Attachment 2), which will be finalized for future Council consideration during the 2017 Study Issue process.
At this time, staff continues to proceed per the April 5 Council action to relocate the maintenance yard and trash enclosure. In addition, staff will work with the architect to determine what areas would be affected if the Butcher house is ultimately relocated within the museum grounds. Any new improvements that could be affected and could be required to be removed in the future will be kept to a minimum and low cost. However, as part of the design process, staff will maximize the amount of permanent improvements that can be implemented in the near-term. If Council would like to provide different direction, a separate item can be brought forward for Council consideration pursuant to the Council’s code of parliamentary procedure.
PUBLIC CONTACT
Public contact was made by posting the Council agenda on the City's official-notice bulletin board outside City Hall, at the Sunnyvale Senior Center, Community Center and Department of Public Safety; and by making the agenda and report available at the Sunnyvale Public Library, the Office of the City Clerk and on the City's website.
Staff
Prepared by: Craig Mobeck, Assistant Director of Public Works
Reviewed by: Manuel Pineda, Director of Public Works
Reviewed by: Walter C. Rossmann, Assistant City Manager
Approved by: Deanna J. Santana, City Manager
ATTACHMENTS
1. Council Meeting Minutes of April 5, 2016
2. Proposed Study Issue DPW 17-05