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Parks initiative returns to council, but the issue is quickly resolved

By Shannon Burkey

Two weeks after the city council voted unanimously to create an entity to look into the issues raised in the Saratoga Parks Preservation and Field Use Policy Initiative, the issue was back on the agenda.

"In this regard I have two words: Déjà vu. Weren't we just here last month doing the exact same thing, discussing the same things?" Saratoga resident David Mighdoll asked. "I believe last month's conclusion was very soundly made. I recall you decided not to be held hostage by this initiative group, but to move forward."

The initiative was written by a group of Saratoga residents, the Citizens for Parks Preservation, who were concerned their worries about the preservation of neighborhood parks were not being adequately addressed. Members pushing the initiative said the way to protect the city's parks and open spaces was to require a public vote on any proposed development or expansion of existing recreational facilities.

But after the Jan. 24 vote by the council to look into reconvening a parks and recreation commission or another entity to look into the group's concerns, members sent a letter of intent to withdraw the initiative, outlining a few conditions they wanted to see met.

Group members asked that the council reconvene the parks and recreation commission and have it lead the initiative review process. They also asked that the council publicly state that it has a goal of implementing a policy protecting parks and updating the city's field use policy.

Council members were willing to look into the group's requests and put the issue on the agenda for the Feb. 7 council meeting. But several council members were put off when the group turned up at the Feb. 4 Mustard Walk and began collecting signatures on a petition that could take the initiative to a special vote.

"When I got the email saying you all were going to withdraw it, I was thrilled. And I absolutely would have believed you except that three days ago, I saw you collecting signatures. What am I supposed to believe?" Councilman Chuck Page asked group members who were in attendance at the Feb. 7 meeting. "We made a solid commitment in our last meeting, a solid commitment to the residents of Saratoga that we would create an entity that would take public input and listen to the people that use the parks actively, that use the parks passively, and who don't use the parks at all--I want to hear from them."

Group spokeswoman Denise Goldberg offered an apology to the council for the confusion, and group members reiterated their intent to withdraw the initiative and work with the council to address their issues of concern.

"We have worked on this because we care about our city, not for personal gain," Goldberg said. "Through the entire initiative process, I have done my best to conduct myself with honor and integrity. We are here tonight in the spirit of working together and working toward the betterment of our city."

At the request of the council, the group plans to resubmit a withdrawal letter using language the city attorney suggested.

"We've already approved a parks and recreation commission. Things are moving forward, so we might as well keep them moving forward. Let's get this letter in so we can get it stamped and on its way," Vice Mayor Ann Waltonsmith said.