Fix-up Projects on a Budget are Council's Focus

Making Cupertino a nicer, more livable city while staying within budget was the theme at Tuesday night’s City Council meeting, as council members contemplated projects for the Stevens Creek Corridor and Blackberry Farm Golf Course, crumbling street pavement and new sidewalks.

Here are the highlights:

• The council said “yes” to accepting a $1.2 million California River Parkway Grant from the state as part of the ongoing process of completing the . The city is still short $1.7 million for the project that is expected to cost $3.5 million, but according to staff, the city could defer other capital improvement projects, as well as pick up other grants to make up the difference. The project will continue restoration of Stevens Creek and complete a walking/biking trail from Blackberry Farm to Stevens Creek Boulevard.
• In a related matter, Public Works Director Timm Borden reported that the staff is working on various alternatives to the Blackberry Farm Golf Course configuration, to both maximize irrigation benefits and to bring more separation between the golf course and the new trail. Key to the plans is determining whether the city can use well water; Borden said he needs to make sure the city still has rights to the water. Depending on which plan the council chooses in the future, some fairways could be stretched a little longer. Expect the costs to stretch, as well.
• Learned that the city has more than $7 million in deferred street pavement maintenance for its 142 miles of roads. According to the Pavement Condition Index used by many cities, Cupertino’s streets are considered on the low side of “very good.” Yet, staff member Roger Lee said, “The residential streets are beginning to degrade.” A decline in state monies to repair roads has forced the city to delay repaving projects in recent years. Staff said they are asking for $1.25 million in next year’s budget to repave the neediest of streets.
• Approved a $259,000 contract with J.J.R. Construction for new sidewalks in the Garden Gate area, as well as $50,000 for a construction contingency fund. The money comes from a federal grant awarded to the city for the Safe Routes to School program, to create safe walkways to Garden Gate Elementary and De Anza College. The new sidewalks will fill in gaps along Stelling Road between Alves Drive and Highway 280, as well as along Greenleaf Drive and Flora Vista Avenue.