HomeMy WebLinkAbout03-10-1982 Planning Commission Minutes CITY OF SARATOGA PLANNING CO~ISS!ON
MINUTES
DATE: Wednesday, March 10, 1982 - 7:30 p.m.
PLACE: City Council Chambers, 13777 Fruitvale Avenue, Saratoga, CA
TYPE: Regular Meeting
ROUTINE ORGANIZATION
Roll Call
Present: Commissioners Bolger, Crowther, King, Laden, Monia, Schaefer
and Zambetti (Commissioners Bolger, Crowther and Monia arrived
at 7:50 p.m.)
Absent: None
Minutes
An addition was made to the minutes of February 24, 1982, under SDR-1511
on page 6, to read: "Commissioner King 'reminded Mr. Neale several times
that he had indicated at the Committee-of-the-I,~hole that he understood and
agreed with the terms of the Staff Report." Connmissioner Laden moved,
seconded by Commissioner King, to waive the reading of the minutes of Febru-
ary 24, 1982 and approve as amended. The motion was carried, with Commissioner
Schaefer abstaining since she was not present at the meeting.
CONSENT CALENDAR
1. SDR-1475 - Helen Amato, Saratoga Avenue, 4 lots, Final Building Site
Approval
Commissioner Zambetti moved, seconded by Commissioner King, to approve
the item listed above. The motion was carried unanimously.
PUBLIC HEARINGS
2. COnsideration of Amendments to the .1974 General Plan of the City of
Saratoga; continued from February 24, 1982
Staff reported that revisions to the draft had been distributed to the
Commission. They .requested a schedule from the Commission regarding
· uture study sessions, and recommenlded a final public hearing after the
study sessions, at which time the changes in the document could be
summarized and the public allowed an additional opportunity for input
5'efore transmittal to the City Council.
Discussion followed on a schedule, ~nd it was the consensus to continue
~this item to study sessions on April 6, 1982 and April 20, 1982 and the
regular meeting on April 14, 1982.
The public hearing was opened at 7:50 p.m. Since no one appeared, it
-~as directed that this matter be continued to the meeting on April 14,
1982.
Commissioner Zambetti discussed Area J, the Village area, requesting
Staff to review the old 1974 Village Design Plan, which was not adopted
as part of the 1974 General Plan, to ensure that the summary of recom-
mendations contained in that plan are included and comparable to the
recommendations included in the draft.
.Correspondence was noted into the record from M~.~" McLaughlin regarding
°;~he transportation corridor and a representative of the Kosich property
owner.
Commissioner Crowther commented that he was somewhat concerned that the
-."hrea plans which were submitted by the General Plan Advisory Committee
do not seem to be represented adequately_~n..the document itself. He
General Plan $?hd' 'ac~i6'n programs. .'It was'd.'~ermined"th'at 'thi~ will"Be
- I -
Planning Co.~Lmission Page 2
Meeting Minutes - 3/10/
General Plan (cont.)
.r'evi~d" and.' d~i.'~'h~s~d. furt]~6.~"a~'~'he-'~'~y ~'ess~'o~ on A'~'~il 6 .......
'1982 ._ .... -.:~ .....
3. Consideration of .Banendments to the Zoning Ordinance, the Subdivision
Ordinance and the Grading Ordinance for the Specific Plan Area
(Prospect to Big Basin Way); continued from February 24, 1'982
4. GF-333 - Consideration of a Revision to the Slope Density Formula in
the HC-RD District to a 2.-10 Acre Straight Bine Formula;
continued from FebrUary 24', 19'8'2
Staff reported that the list of concerns reviewed at the last study
session were in the packet, and modifications will be made to the
draft ordinance for the study sess'ion on March 16, 1982.
Commissioner Crowther distributed a letter, replying to the City
Manager's memo regarding the geology of the area.
The public hearing was opened at 8:00 p.m. on the above items. Since
no one appeared, Commissioner Monia moved, seconded by Commissioner
Crowther, to continue these matters to the meeting on March 24, 1982,
with a study session on March 16, 1982.
Commissioner Monia suggested that,' for continuity, the language used
in the Subdivision Ordinance relative to the fact that, in determining
slope~ the contour maps should have distances of not more than 5 feet,
'~'hOuld.a'l's0 ~ used in'this ordi'nanCe~" ....
Commissioner Crowther agreed, but 'added that he feels that the language
in the Specific Plan should be use~ and modified.
The Deputy City Attorney discussed limitation of amendments to the
Specific Plan. He indicated that it would be his position that any
amendment to the Specific Plan would constitute one of the three per-
missible amendments allowed each year of any General Plan. Therefore,
the restriction would be any single amendment of the Specific Plan
only, thereby leaving two remaining amendments during the calendar
year for other areas of the General Plan.
Commissioner Laden asked for clarification, stating that it is her
understanding that public hearings, may be held three times a year to
change the General Plan, but that more than one change can be made at
that particular hearing. The Deputy City Attorney stated that that
had been their interpretation, interpreting it broadly to mean change,
no matter how many particular items may be changed, but the event of
the change no more than three times a year, even though the change may
cover more than one section of the General Plan. Commissioner Laden
added that, if her perception is correct that the Specific Plan is in
fact part of the General Plan dealing with a specific area,c:'~nle~s the
City decides to limit the changes to the General Plan to once a year,
it would seem that at any of those three heari~g'~'if.i~.-is'~ht'..2
forward, that an amendment could be made to the Specific Plan as well
as to the General Plan. .The Deputy City Attorney answered that he
thinks that is correct, and his main question is if the Commission has
in mind the Specific Plan per se or restricting the ability to amend
the Zoning Ordinance, which is an entirely different matter. He added
that what is before the Commission at the moment is the Zoning Ordi-
nance and not the Specific Plan. He commented that what Item 6 in the
Staff Report is really addressing is possibly a recommendation to the
City Council for some further provision to be included in the Specific
Plan. He added that they have n0t2as yet determined if there are any
particular rulings on whether you can limit the amendments to less than
three. Further discussion followed, and the Deputy City Attorney stated
that, in terms of process, in connection with the Commission's review
of the General Plan, they could deal with the restriction on amendment
at that time, if it is determined that there is nothing that would
prohibit a further limitation from that already contained in the State
law. There was a consensus of the Commission to further consider this
issue during the General Plan review.
.F
-~P[~nning Commission "' Page 3
Meeting Minutes - 3/1
HC-RD Ordinance and Specific. Plan Area Ordinances (cont.)
Further discussion followed on the wording to be used in the ordinance
relative to the 5 foot contours. Commissioner Crowther stated that he
thought there had been general agreement at a study session that the
wording out of the Specific Plan should be used. He added that he did
not feel it is incompatible with What Commissioner Monia had previously
suggested, and his comment could be added to that wording. Staff
commented that the wordage that had been used in the recommended change
to the HC-RD Ordinance had been used for consistency. Commissioner
Crowther stated that as the wording now exists, it is clearly incon-
sistent with the Specific Plan. Discussion followed on the wording of
the Specific Plan, and Staff stated that, to be strictly consistent with
the Specific Plan, the phrase would have to be added "the average slope
in the area could not exceed 30%".
Commissioner King moved to adopt the wording of the draft as currently
stated, with the language suggested by Commissioner Monia to clarify it.
Commissioner Laden seconded the motion.
Commissioner Crowther asked for clarification from the Deputy City
Attorney regarding this matter, relative to the fact that if the wording
is indeed inconsistent with the Specific Plan, as just stated by Staff,
wouldn't'it be an illegal action. The Deputy City Attorney stated that
he had not been at the study session at which this subject had been dis-
cussed, and he would like to review the subject further, in order to
understand the interpretations being made and comparing that to the
language of the Specific Plan. He clarified that the Zoning Ordinance
implements the Specific Plan and i't has to be consistent with the
Specific Plan. He added that what' he could not comment on at the moment
is whether..the p~tiC~!~r interpretations being discussed are consistent
or not.
Commissioners King and Laden withdrew their motion and second, in order
to allow the Deputy City Attorney to make an interpretation at the next
study session.
It was directed that these items be continued to a study session on
~Iarch 16th and the regular meeting of March 24, 1982.
5. A-806 - Parnas Corporation, Request for Design Review Approval to con-
struct a two-story single family residence on a hillside lot
on Vintage Lane; continued~ from February 10, 1982
6. A-810 - Parnas Corporation, Request for Design Review Approval to con-
struct a two-story single family residence on a hillside lot
on Vintage Lane; continued from February 10, 1982
Staff reported that the applicant has requested that A-806 be continued
indefinitely and A-810 be continued to the next meeting.
The public hearing was reopened on. both of these items at 8:25 p.m.
Since no one appeared, it was directed that A-806 be continued and
reagendized and renoticed at a later date, and A-810 continued to the
meeting of March 24, 1982.
7a. Negative Declaration - V-572 - P. Sanfilippo
7b. V-572 - P. Sanfilippo, Request for, a Variance to reduce the parking
requirements for a bank to be constructed at the Argonaut
Shopping Center on Saratoga-Sunnyvale Road;'continued from
February 24, 1982
Chairman Schaefer discussed some of the comments that had been made at
the Planning Commissioners' Convention at San Diego, concerning dis-
qualification on an item if there is a financial conflict.
Staff gave a report on the proposal, stating that it had been continued
from the last meeting and discussed at the Committee-of-the-Whole.
They added that they could not make the findings and are recommending
denial.
The public hearing was opened at 8:30 p.m.
Bob Egan, one of the founders of the bank, stated that he had met with
- 3 -
,~lanning Con~mission Page 4
Meeting Minutes - 3/10
V-572 (cont.)
Mr. Sanfilippo and discussed some of the conditions of the Staff
Report. He added that Mr. Sanfilippo had discussed some of the stipu-
lations with the City. Mr. Egan explained that they were concerned
primarily about a variance for parking, and it appears to him and Mr.
Sanfilippo that restrictions are being placed on them for things other
than the parking problem. He commented that Mr. Sanfilippo agrees that
the entrance is a problem and he wants to do something about it. How-
ever, they feel that the easement into the adjoining property has nothing
to do with the bank or the parking problem at this time. Mr. Egan added-
that he feels the bank is very imp:ortant for the City and will offer a
lot t'~'~ the community; however, he has the feeling that if some of these
stipulations are put on Mr. Sanfil'ippo, they will not be able to build
the bank there. The bonding for the signal was discussed. Mr. Egan
indicated that Mr. Sanfilippo had been one of the people who initiated
to get.the signal some time ago; however, he is very hesitant about the
bond relating to it.
Staff summarized their discussion With Mr. Sanfilippo, stating that he
feels that an undue burden would be placed on him relative to the joint
access to the property to the north, and suggested that the City provide
the access, since they own the piece of property adjoining that. Staff
added that Mr. Sanfilippo supports the construction of the signal, but
is concerned about the term of the' bond, and the uncertainty as to what
50% of the share not funded by the=State actually means, now or in the
future. Staff stated that Mr. Sanfilippo had also indicated concern
regarding the possibility of prohibiting left turns out of the shopping
center at the Brandywine entrance,~ since he feels that will have a
major adverse effect on the center2 itself. Staff explained that in the
packet is a possible modification to the entrance, and Mr. Sanfilippo
agrees that there are some improvements that could be made at this loca-
tion, but he would like that left open for possible addition~l..~.~gn
work. Discussion followed on the configuration, and it
Commissioner Monia moved to close the public hearing-.. Commissioner Bolger
seconded the motion, which was carried unanimously.
Commissioner Monia stated that he would like a ruling on the Possibility
Commissioner or Councilperson has a business affiliation with an appli-
cant, then the best course of action would be to abstain on the grounds
.that, even though the business may:not relate to the application before
the body, the accusation still can be made of something other than
neutral judgment by reason of a business affiliation that may result
in financial gain. The key to conflict of interest is whether there is
a financial gain from the application.or an existing financial relation-
ship, even though it does not relate to the application. Commissioner
Crowther questioned whether there would be a possible conflict of
interest if a Commissioner or Councilperson is in a business whereby
an ordinance may have a general impact on that business. The Deputy
City Attorney.stated that the code'addresses financial interest and
would relate to those applications from which there could be a finan-
cial gain. It was determined that. none of the Commissioners would be
abstaining on the vote regarding this issue.
Discussion followed on th"e traffic flow of the center and there was a
consensus that this was related to the variance and should not be a
condition of design review. Staff commented that they were not suggest-
ing that it not be a condition of the variance, but felt that the
exact configuration could be left 6pen for further design; however, the
presently proposed configuration would be available, which definitely
improves the situation' and moves any possible confusion and congestion
away from the intersection. There'was a consensus that Staff would
determine the appropriate configuration f.or-..~he entEance and parking lot
.'.~ommissio~r S~haefer commented that sh~ fe'~t th'at it i~ ~n the City's
- 4 -
Planning Commission Page 5
Meeting - Minutes 3/10/82
V-572 (cont.)
Commissioner Zambetti moved to approve V-572, per Exhibit B-1 and the
conditions of the Staff Report dated February 12, 1982, as modified.
Commissioner Zambetti stated that he could make the eight necessary
findings and discussed them. He .added that he felt it appropriate
for the Cowmission to look at the parking ratios in the C-V and C-N
areas, to see if they are in congress with what the City wants parking
to be as it relates to twenty-five· years ago. Commissioner King seconded
the motion.
The possibility of a drive-up window was discussed, and it was the con-
sensus not to allow this. Commissioner Monia stated that he would like
to entertain the possibility of removing Condition No. 1, regarding
the access, from the Staff Report.! He stated that he could not support
the motion if the applicant is going to be required to venture into an
agreement with some other land owner, because he feels that is a
physical hardship and he feels it is a City problem. He discussed the
findings further.
Commissioner Zambetti stated that he would have problems with deleting
that condition, because all of the commercial zoning districts within
the City have to be considered when granting a variance of this magni-
tude. He added that there are certain districts in which the City
would like to have mutual access agreements for e~emen~s for parking~.
· districts, and he sees it applying· also to those commercial areas.'
C0~'iSsio~er King pointed Out that the condition does not state that
the applicant must enter into any agreement at this time as a con-
dition of this development; it simply says if upon development of that
property the City then determines it is necessary, the applicant will
agree to participate in such a jo'int access agreement. The Deputy
City Attorney clarified that it states that if the applicant agrees
and the City allows him to build·the structure, the City can come in
some years later and exercise their right under the agreement and
require an access when the other property owner develops. Commissioner
Monia stated that he felt it .W.oul~2 be difficult for any applicant to
develop ~?~..-'~=~:~Sh~.~Dg.-c-e~er ~ the City is going to continue to
.require that they suppl~ an ~cce~·S~' ~o somebody else's property. He
added that he felt the motion to approve or deny should be on the basis
of a variance for parking, not the. contingency on somebody else's
property being developed and allowing access to that piece of property.
Commissioner Crowther agreed, but ·for other reasons. He explained that
he feels there is already a hazard5 at that entrance. He stated that
he feels that condition should be ~emoved because it is fairly clear
that that is an already overstressed condition, and he does not think
it is appropriate to put more traffic in that area.
Commissioner Monia moved to modify. the original motion to delete Con-
· d·~ti6n No. 1 from the Staff Report. Commissioner
:" mOtiOn.',' "Wh ic:h"' e~fed'~' '..w~f'.{g "C ~im'~'si~tra'~g~:g ':'B;6i g'e~.,h.'-:g~{~ ~ T'L-,~S a.fih~-f~:~' :': a~d-"'"
Z'~5 ~'~"{:f 'ai%'.s'~t i'ng 2 "' =': ""':':: :~ "'~' "" "' "~ ........' .....- -"" .......~ :'.""~ ........."".' ":' ""
commissioner Crowther stated that he has a few problems with the find-
ings. He explained that there has been a lot of evidence presented
showing that there is not a parking problem in that area of the shopping
center. He added that the banking hours are such that they ~ould not
correspond with the peak traffic and parking hours of the site. He
suggested considering conditioning. the project so that the banking hours
shall be limited to the normal banking hours; that is a key factor that
will prevent any parking problems from occurring.
Commissioner Laden moved to approve the Negative Declaration on this
application. Commissioner Monia seconded the motion, which carried
unanimously.
The vote was taken on the first motion to approve V-572, per the con-
ditions in the Staff Report. Co~missioner Monia stated that he would
abstain from voting on the motion,.since he feels it is putting an
encumbrance on the applicant. He added that he agrees with the project
~·00%, but believes that the bank will not be built in that area because
Mr. Sanfilippo will not allow the ~ity to put that encumbrance on him.
The motion carried, with Con~missioner Monia abstaining.
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D nn Commission Page 6
Meeting Minutes 3/10/8
V-572 (cont.)
The ]0-day appeal period was noted. Mr. Cabrinha asked the Deputy
City Attorney to give him a copy of the agreement regarding Condition
No. 1 as soon as possible, so that they may discuss the language of
the agreement with Mr. Sanfilippo.
Break - 9:10 - 9:25 p.m. ~
8. SDR-1515 - M. Gomez, Request for Tentative Building Site Approval for
2 lots in the R-1-20,00'0 Zoning District at 14586 Aloha
Avenue; continued from February 24, 1982
Staff reported that this item had been continued from the last meeting,
at which time there had been a spl'it vote.
The public hearing was reopenedat 9:30 p.m.
Bernice Kane, 14611 Aloha, expressed her concern regarding some of
the requirements asked of Mr. Gomez to obtain a building permit, mainly
the closure of Aloha. She qu~tioped where the turnaround would be on
Saratoga-Los Gatos Road.j.. ~
Staff explained that the turnaround will be near the Cermak driveway
and the southwest property line of~the Gomez property. He described
the proposal for the cul-de-sac bulb on Aloha and stated that there are
to be only right-hand turns onto Aloha from Saratoga-Los Gatos Road.
He added that the mechanics for the design have not been completed.
Mrs. Kane added that there were many questions in her mind regarding
the closure of one of the most picturesque streets in the area, and
she wondered how many signs and dividers will be involved.
Staff indicated that there were resolutions and reports in the packet
relative to the changing of the configuration of Aloha Avenue, which
involves abandonment of portions of the existing right-of-way. They
com~.ented that the resolution would in effect implement the abandon-
ment that goes along with the reconfiguration and there was substantial
input at the City Council public hearing in support of this. Staff
added that there would have to be some kind of reversion of the Coun-
cil's determination if, in fact, there is the intent to not proceed
with the reconfiguration of Aloha.
Commissioner Crowther commented that Saratoga-Los Gatos at Aloha is
very narrow now because-of the wall, and he felt restrictions to prevent
a left turn could be a safety fact6r.
Staff clarified that if it is the intent of the Commission to not approve
or reapprove what is an expired approval, the City Council would then
need to rescind its prior action, or the City would be abandoning a
piece of roadway that would be needed. They explained that the actual
abandonment has not taken place because it was conditioned on the com-
pletion of the agreements and dedications for this development.
Cozette Cermak, representing her husband, Dr. Kenneth Cermak, stated
that she strongly opposes the closing of Aloha Avenue. She commented
that she does not feel Mr. Gomez should have to pay for this abutment
which is going to create a worse hazard than is presently there. Mrs.
Cermak added that the City would not allow them in the past to develop
their property as they had wanted; 'they then took away their wall, and
now they are going to close Aloha ~nd take away their livelihood. She
indicated that she feels this will 'destroy the rural aspect of the City.
She added that she is in favor of the Gomez development and does not
feel that the additional amount of traffic generated at the corner is
a safety problem.
Mr. Gomez, the applicant, stated that the application conforms to all
of the ordinances of the City and to the General Plan, and the applica-
tion had previously been approved. He stated that there have been no
changes and he feels it will enhance the value and quality of the
neighborhood. =
John Saunders, Mr. Gomez' son-in-law, also '=indicated that nothing had
changed in the status of the project. He requested the Commission to
not delay the project with the conditioning of the street.
- 6 -
Planning Commission Page 7
Meeting Minutes 3/10/82 _
SDR-1515 (cont.)
Bill Sanguinetti, 18700 Harleigh Drive, reaffirmed what Messrs. Gomez
and Saunders had said. He asked if there had been any changes or new
evidence since this project was previously approved. Chairman~.~Schaefer
explained that there may be no new'evidence presented, but there are
different people on the Commission~ with different interpretations
of the same evidence, and perhaps different people'speaking in the
public hearing.
Staff stated that the recomrnendati0n of the Staff is the same as with
the previous application. Mr. Sanguinetti stated that it would seem
that if there have been no changes and it complies, a change in the
decision of the Commission would seem to be an .arbitrary thing, and he
urged the Commission to approve it~
Mr.-Gomez stated that he had no problem concerning the bulb or turn-
around. He discussed the area as it was in the past.
Maxine McGinnis, 20511 Brookwood Lane, expressed her opinion that she
feels a touch of young people is needed in the community. She added
that the Gomez family have worked hard and tried to comply with all of
the wishes of the City. She commented that she knows Mr. Saunders
wants to rear his children here and she feels they deserve careful con-
sideration.
Commissioner Bolger asked how far away from Saratoga-Los Gatos Road
will the home be located? Mr. Saunders commented that he was not sure;
however, it complied with the requirements. Commissioner Bolger explained
that his primary concern is that this home is going to'be very close to
a very heavily traveled road, and Mr. Saunders ~y"". be coming back to ask
for a sound wall because of the noise. Mr. Saunders indicated that he
had taken that into consideration. He indicated that he felt that the
shrubbery will have a good effect on buffering the sound; however, a
masonry wall of some type may be necessary. He added that if it were
requested, it would be some 20 feet back and probably not visible because
of the vegetation that exists there now.
Staff indicated that the structure itself has been required to be set
back some 40 ft. from the roadway itself, and the setbacks are measured
from the property line, not from easement line. They added that from
the actual road surface the house Would be set back approximately 70 feet.
Richard Drake, Gordon Court, stated his support for the applicant and
made a plea. for continuity of government. He commented that he 'felt
that, in fairness to the applicant in general to the people of the City,
when an action has taken place as it was in this case, '~h~ commiS'si0~ '.~'
should support the previous action land reaffirm the appr6Val "that' w~"made.
'Commissioner King moved to.close t~e public hearing. Commissioner Monia
seconded the motion, which was carried unanimously.
Commissioner King moved to approve SDR-1515, per the conditions of the
Staff Report. Commissioner Zambett'i seconded the motion.
Commissioner Schaefer stated that she regrets that the time limit ran out
for the applicant. She indicated that she feels that the Aloha area is
a very dangerous one, and she is extremely concerned about the'configura-
tion that has been designed for it 2and the blocking off of that road.
She added that she does believe in the continuation of the process of
government, even though the people change. However, she has very strong
feelings on this and she feels extr'emely responsible for this vote, since
the previous vote was 3-3. ~
Com~missioner Monia commented that he had originally voted against the
application; however, he is now going to change his vote. He explained
that he had looked at the site and studied the situation quite a bit.
He added that he felt that the Commission hadn't considered the fact
that the use of Aloha has been reduced somewhat because of the enrollment
drop at Oak Street School. Commissioner Monia commented.that he is con-
'cerned about the signage and ruining one of the most scenic streets in
the City, and possibly some of the hazard there. However, in looking
at it'very carefully and considering the fact that there is an anticipated
reduction in the number of cars that are'going to use that street, he
-7.
~lanning Commission Page 8
Meeting Minutes - 3/1
SDR-1515 (cont.)
now supports this application.
Commissioner Laden stated that she. feels that the granting of the
SDR to Mr. Gomez, even though he is conditioned for the turnaround,
should not be held up on the basis~ that some.people.are concerned
.about the turnaround. She added that that was not the Gomez' problem
and was a City instituted action. ,She indicated that she felt the
Cowmission should either remove the conditions or ask the City Council
to reconsider.
Commissioner Crowther stated that he totally agreed and he would like
to see the conditions-removed, because he feels they should be separate
from the SDR, and the abandonment of the street does not have anything
to do with the applicant and is something'~the City initiates.
Staff indicated that with the previous application the conditions were
placed on it to allow for both options, i.e.., leaving Aloha in its
existing condition and some improvements to it in its straight configura-
tion and intersection with the highway, and also alternate conditions
for the turnaround.' They added that the matter of which of those actions
would be put into play was left to'the final determination of the City
COuncil, and the Council did in fact approve the cul-de-sac and one way
in only. They commented that if the Commission wishes to make an action
in opposition to that, the net result will still be that the matter
goes before the Council for some rehearing of the order to abandon.
Staff stated that they felt that the improvement of the fronting property
has everything to do with the site approvals and tentative map approvals.
T~.oDeputy city Attorney stated that if the Commission wishes the City"
CounciI'=to review the matter, any approval of the SDR,d~uld be with'
~ha~"~6ndition in it. However, the Commission could modify. it to ~t~ate that~
in the event of a change, the'applicant is relieved from that obligation,
should the City Council review the'matter and decide to treat Aloha
Avenue differently.
Commissioners King and Zambetti amended their motion and second to
include the statement made by the City Attorney regarding reconsideration
of Aloha by the City Council. The vote was taken on the motion to
approve SDR-1515. The motion carried, with Commissioner Schaefer
dissenting.
9. GF-330 - Consideration of an ordinance of the City of Saratoga repealing'
Section 3.3(g) of Article 3 of Appendix B, ~he Zoning Ordinance
of the Code of the City of Saratoga, and amending Section 3.2(g).
of Appendix B, the Zoning. Ordinance of the Code of the City of
Saratoga for the purpose of establishing Animal Control Regula-
tions; continued from February'24, 1982'
Staff distributed two pieces of correspondence received on this ordi-
nance. They discussed the changes2to the ordinance.
Commissioner Schaefer commented that she feels in general that the ordi'-
nance is geared toward one area and, therefore, is restricting. everyone
Unnecessarily. She added that she'feels that the ordinance is much too
restrictive. :
Staff noted that the Code Enforcement Officer had stated that the
majority of the complaints have dealt with too many uncontrolled ani-
mals. They explained that the existing ordinance states a reasonable
number, with no definition of reasonable.
Commissioner Crowther stated that he feels that when there is an ordi-
nance with a real credibility gap,.which this has, the City does itself
a great disservice in adopting it..
Commissioner Monia suggested getting a consensus on whether or not
the Commission feels an animal ordinance is needed. He added that the
trouble with the ordinance is the numbers, and if.there is, a consensus
that it is needed, he would suggest tabling it until sometime after
the Specific Plan and General Plan review, to allow the Commission to
reach some agreement as to what might be the'proper numbers to apply.
- 8 -
~'~lanning Commission Page 9
Meeting Minutes - 3
GF-330 (cont.)
The public hearing was opened at 10:20 p.m.
Dr. A. Lund, 14720 Sobey Road, expressed his opinion that there has
to be an animal ordinance. He discussed the smell of goats and the
noise of roosters in hi-s neighborhood. He indicated that he felt the
numbers and kinds should be determined, and that enforcement was
important ~
Bill Notz, 18276 Purdue Drive, stated that he was the President of the
Sunland Park Homeowners AssociatiOn. He indicated. that they had con-
sidered the draft of this ordinance at their meeting because they have
had a tremendous problem with animal control, mainly with dogs and
cats. He commented that they had Voted unanimously to urge the Commis-
sion to adopt the ordinance, and r.ecommended that a fine be put in this
ordinance to cover the costs of en'forcing it.
Commissioner Crowther commented that there is an ordinance on the books,
and the key issue is enforcing it. Discussion followed on the enforce-
ment of any animal control ordinance.
Kathy McGoldrick,."~pO~'~ 'fo~ Mr'.'b~!-Guiterrez, the President of the
E1 Quito t~onleowners Association, in favor of the ordinance. She added
that the City needs some tight measures to counteract the situation with
the many dogs in parks.
Carolyn Felix, Sobey Road, stated that she feels that the original ordi-
nance x,~as a good one, but it needs'to be enforced. She added that she
would be in favor of a fine.
Wilhelm Kohler, Via Regina, stated that he felt the draft ordinance is
completely unenforceable. He commented that he felt performance stan-
dards should be established, and that there should be a simple law with
enforcement of it. He added that he felt the general problem is noise
and smell, and fines should be placed and enforced.
Discussion followed on possible enforcement by the Sheriff. Dr. Lund
indicated that the Sheriff's office had informed him that enforcement
of this sort of control would not be in their jurisdiction, and that
he should contact the City.
Gregg Nellis, 18366 Clemson, stated that he feels the issue is whether
the ordinance now on the books should be changed, and that the Commis-
sion should take up separately whether it should be enforced or not.
He added that he felt the Commission should focus on getting something
on the books at this time. :
Commissioner King moved to close the public hearing. Commissioner
Zambetti seconded the motion, which was carried unanimously.
Staff suggested that the point Mr.~Kohler made regarding performance
standards should be considered at a study session, since it would be a
desirable way to control a difficult position.
Commissioner Monia stated that he feels the ordinance is not really
addressing what the problems are. 'He moved to table GF-330, leaving
it up to the Staff to reagendize it at a later date."'- "'..
Commissioner Crowther stated that he might have agreed a week ago; how-
ever, based on the input he questioned whether it should be tabled. He
commented that he did not feel it ~ould do any good to pass an ordinance
that does not have enforcement in it.
Co~nissioner Zambetti seconded the motion the table the ordinance. He
suggested writing a letter to the C.ity Council to ensure that there
will be some enforcement in this area. Discussion followed on tabling
the ordinance. Co~nissioner Bolger co.~unented that he felt there is a
real need to get an ordinance adopted. Commissioner Laden stated that
she appreciates that there are concerns, and the problem. is that the
existing ordinance is not specific enough for a Code Enforcement Officer
to enforce it. She expressed concern regarding grandfathering this
kind of change in the ordinance.
?z".,.~lanning Commission O Page 10
Meeting Minutes - 3 ~.
GF-330 (cont.)
The vote was taken on the motion to table GF-330. The motion failed,
with Commissioners Bo!ger, Crowther, Schaefer, King and Laden dissenting.
Commissioner Zambetti moved to adopt Resolution GF-330, recommending
approval of the Animal Control Ordinance to the City Council. Commis-
sioner King seconded the motion.
After further discussion, the vote was taken on the motion. The motion
failed, with Commissioners Schaefer, Bolger, Crowther and Monia dissent-
ing.
Commissioner Zambetti moved to direct the matter to a study session on
May 25, 1982. There was no second. Commissioner Monia then moved to
direct the matter to a study session no earlier than June 1982. Com-
missioner King seconded the motion, which failed, with Commissioners
Crowther, Bolger, Schaefer and Laden dissenting. Commissioner Bolger
then moved to direct the item to a study session on May 18, 1982.
Commissioner Zambetti seconded the motion, which was carried, with
Commissioners King and Crowther d~ssenting.
10. A-811 - Ray Leap, Request for Design Review Approval to construct a
one story major addition to an existing residence at 1'4525 Sobey
It was reported that the applican~ has requested a continuance. It was
directed that this item be continued to the meeting on April 14, 1982.
lla. Negative Declaration - SD-1458- John' Rankin
llb. SD-1458 - John Rankin, Request for Tentative Subdivision Approval for 4 lots on Glen Una Drive
It was reported that the applicant has requested a continuance. It
was directed that this item be continued to the meeting on April 14, 1982.
12. SDR-1516 - Imperial Savings, Request for Building Site Approval to 1 lot
(consolidation of 3 lots) to allow construction of a bank on
Saratoga-Los Gatos Road near Oak Place
Doug Adams, representing the applicant, requested a continuance of this
item to April 14, 1982 and stated that they would submit a letter to
that effect. It was directed that this item be continued to the meeting
on April 14, 1982.
COMMUNICATIONS
Written
1. Letter to Chairman Schaefer regarding requests from the City
Council concerning the General Plan, from Mayor Callon.
2. Letter from the Crepe Daniel Restaurant re outdoor dining. The
Commission requested Staff to initiate proceedings to consider adding out-
door restaurant use in the C-V Zoning ,District.
Oral
1. Commissioner Monia gave a brief report on the City Council meet-
ing held on March 3, 1982. A copy of .the minutes of this meeting is on file
in the City Administration Office.
2. Chairman Schaefer thanked t'he Good Government Group for attending
and serving coffee.
ADJOURNMENT
Commissioner Zambetti moved, seconded by Commissioner King, to adjourn the
meeting. The motion was carried unanimously, and the meeting was adjourned
at 11:10 p.m.
Respectfully submitted,
Secretary
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