CITY COUNCIL STAFF REPORT
Meeting: January 22, 2025
Subject
Authorization to execute a Joint Use Agreement for Continued Public Access to Santa Clara Valley Water District property situated along a portion of Stevens Creek Trail.
Recommended Action
Authorize the City Manager to execute a new Joint Use Agreement with Santa Clara Valley Water District for ongoing access to the District's property situated along a portion of the Stevens Creek Trail.
Background
The Santa Clara Valley Water District owns property within the Stevens Creek Corridor, and a segment of the Stevens Creek Trail runs through the property. The City and the District executed a twenty-five-year Joint Use Agreement in 1999, and the agreement expired on November 16, 2024. A new twenty-five-year Joint Use Agreement, similar in structure to the existing one, has been negotiated to extend public access and recreational opportunities along the trail. Under the new agreement, the City and Santa Clara Valley Water District continue to retain the flexibility to terminate the agreement at any time during the twenty-five-year period by providing 90 days’ written notice.
The agreement facilitates recreational access and effective management and maintenance of the trail, ensuring its continued benefit to the Cupertino community. By formalizing this partnership, both entities reinforce their commitment to enhancing local recreational spaces and environmental stewardship in Cupertino.
Staff recommends that City Council authorize the City Manager to execute a new Joint Use Agreement for a term of twenty-five years. Santa Clara Valley Water District has agreed to the Joint Use Agreement as outlined in Attachment A.
Next Steps
The next step for this item is for the Santa Clara Valley Water District Board of Directors to approve the agreement. Without this agreement in place, continued recreational access for the Cupertino community may be at risk.
Sustainability Impact
This agreement prioritizes flood protection, stream stewardship, water resources management, and minimizing impact to natural habitat and wildlife.
Fiscal Impact
No fiscal impact.
California Environmental Quality Act
Execution of the agreement is exempt from the California Environmental Quality Act under CEQA Guidelines section 15301 (operation and maintenance of existing facilities).
City Work Program (CWP) Item
No.
CWP Item Description
N/A.
Council Goal
Quality of Life.
_____________________________________
Prepared by: Daniel Degu, Economic Development Manager Reviewed by: Christopher D. Jensen, City Attorney
Tina Kapoor, Interim Assistant City Manager
Approved for Submission by: Pamela Wu, City Manager
Attachment:
A – Draft Joint Use Agreement, City-Santa Clara Valley Water District, for Stevens Creek Trail