HomeMy WebLinkAbout05-16-2001 City Council Minutes MINUTES
SARATOGA CITY COUNCIL
MAY 16, 2001
The City Council of the City of Saratoga met in Closed Session, Administrative
Conference Room, 13777 Fruitvale Avenue at 6:00 p.m.
Conference with Legal Counsel re: Existing Litigation (Gov't Code 54956.9(a)).
Name of Case: City of Saratoga v. West Valley College
Santa Clara County Superior Court No. Doc. CIV756340.
Conference With Legal Counsel - Existing Litigation
(Government Code section 54956.9(a)):
Name of case: City of Saratoga v. Hinz (Santa Clara County Superior Court
Doc. No. CV-784560)
Conference With Legal Counsel - Existing Litigation
(Government Code section 54956.9(a)):
Name of case: City of Saratoga v. Bunch (Santa Clara County Superior Court
Doc. No. AS-92021676)
Significant exposure to litigation pursuant to Government Code section 54956.9(b):
(1 potential case.)
MAYOR'S REPORT ON CLOSED SESSION - 7:00 p.m.
Mayor Mehaffey reported there was Council discussion but no action was taken.
Mayor Mehaffey called the Regular City Council meeting to order at 7:02 p.m. and
requested Tom Sullivan, Community Development Director, to lead the Pledge of
Allegiance.
ROLL CALL
PRESENT:
Evan Baker, Stan Bogosian, Nick Streit,
Ann Waltonsmith, Mayor John Mehaffey
ABSENT: None
ALSO PRESENT:
City Council Minutes
Dave Anderson, City Manager
Richard Taylor, City Attorney
Cathleen Boyer, City Clerk
Mary Jo Walker, Director of Administrative Services
John Cherbone, Director of Public Works
Tom Sullivan, Community Development Director
Joan Pisani, Recreation Director
Paula Reeve, Administrative Analyst
1 May 16, 2001
REPORT OF CITY CLERK ON POSTING OF AGENDA FOR MAY 16, 2001
Cathleen Boyer, City Clerk, reported that pursuant to Government Code Section 54954.2,
the agenda for the meeting of May 16, 2001 was properly posted on May 11, 2001.
COMMUNICATIONS FROM COMMISSIONS & PUBLIC
None
COMMUNICATIONS FROM BOARDS AND COMMISSIONS
None
WRITTEN COMMUNICATIONS
None
ORAL COMMUNICATIONS
The following people spoke:
Bill Morrison, 20135 Chateau Drive, noted that the Saratoga Fire Department accepted
proposals last week and requested that the City be involved in the final process.
David Dolloff, 20685 Sigal Drive, reported that the Saratoga Fire District received three
proposals. The FACT committee supports the proposal from Santa Clara County Fire.
Mr. Dolloff noted that Chief Doug Sporeleader would be Willing to present and explain
the County's RFP at the next City Council meeting. Mr. Dolloffnoted that the proposal
from Califomia Department of Fire (CDF) was unacceptable for the following reasons: 1)
proposed a separate communication system 2) dependent on mutual aid fi'om County Fire
3) State controlled entity in local municipality. Mr. Dolloffnoted that the next Fire
Commission meeting is on May 24th at 8:00 a.m. and requested that the City Council
attend.
Jan Birenbaum, 20052 Sunset Drive, reported that other cities around the Bay Area have
set up funds for teacher housing. Ms. Birenbaum noted that the City of Redwood City
has set aside $1.5 million dollars in housing funds, giving priority to teachers and city
employees. Ms. Birenbaum noted that the City of Morgan Hill recently donated
$100,000.00 to the Housing Trust Fund. Ms. Birenbaum requested that the City Council
support setting aside funds for teacher housing.
Lisa Liu, 20291 Men'ick Drive, requested that her three minutes be given to Bette
Cruikshank.
Bette Cruikshank, 20303 Calle Montalvo, reported that the Teachers Housing Initiative
has over 30 active members. Recently they have been able to find a few homeowners
willing to rent at a lower rate to Saratoga teachers. Ms. Cruikshank requested that the
City Council allocate $2 million dollars to implement a housing loan program for
teachers.
Chin Le Chang, 19486 Burgundy Way, requested that the City Council allocated $2
million dollars to implement a housing loan program for teachers.
City Council Minutes 2 May 16, 2001
Ed Farrell, 20877 Kittridge Road, reported that at the Joint Meeting with the Public
Safety Commission two individuals opposed the Saratoga Fire District merging with
County Fire. Mr. Farrell noted that he does not share their feelings when they stated that
the Saratoga Fire house was adequate and should be appreciated and viewed as part of
Saratoga's history. Mr. Farrell stated that the Fire District is not up to today's standards
and lacks adequate staffing.
COUNCIL DIRECTION TO STAFF
None
CEREMONIAL ITEMS
lA.
PRESENTATION BY GOVERNMENT FINANCE OFFICERS
ASSOCIATION TO MARY JO WALKER, DIRECTOR OF
ADMINISTRATIVE SERVICES AND RAY GALINDO, ACCOUNTING
SUPERVISOR FOR "CERTIFICATE OF ACHIEVEMENT FOR
EXCELLENCE IN FINANCIAL REPORTING"
STAFF RECOMMENDATION:
Accept certificate.
Mr. Rich Avery, Director of Finance/City of San Carlos, on behalf of GFOA,
presented Mary Jo Walker, Director of Administrative Services, and Ray
Galindo, Accounting Supervisor, with the Certificate of Achievement For
Excellence In Financial Reporting.
Supervisor Galindo thanked Mr. Avery and noted that he was honored to
receive this award on behalf of the City of Saratoga. Supervisor Galindo
thanked Director Walker for her professional standards that have encouraged
him to maintain a high level of financial reporting.
lB.
PROCLAMATION - DECLARING JUNE 2, 2001 "YMCA DAY"
STAFF RECOMMENDATION:
Read proclamation.
Mayor Mehaffey read the proclamation and presented it to Mr. Marlo
Vargas/Southwest YMCA.
Mr. Vargas thanked the City of Saratoga for the proclamation and presented
the Mayor with copies of the YMCA's Commemorative Book celebrating 150
years.
City Council Minutes 3 May 16, 2001
lC. COMMENDATION FOR VENISE TAAFFE, ON YOUR TOES
STAFF RECOMMENDATION:
Present commendation.
Mayor Mehaffey read the proclamation and presented it to Venise Taaffe.
1D. COMMENDATION FOR CHUCK PAGE, PLANNING COMMISSION
STAFF RECOMMENDATION:
Present commendation.
Mayor Mehaffey directed staff to mail Mr. Page his conunendation.
1E. COMMENDATION FOR MARY-LYNNE BERNALD, PLANNING
COMMISSION
STAFF RECOMMENDATION:
Present commendation.
Mayor Mehaffey directed staff to mail Ms. Bemald'her commendation.
1F. COMMENDATION FOR MARGARET PATRICK, PLANNING
COMMISSION
STAFF RECOMMENDATION:
Present commendation.
Mayor Mehaffey directed staff to mail Ms. Patrick her commendation.
Mayor Mehaffey noted that it was the appropriate time to begin the public hearings.
PUBLIC HEARINGS
3. APPEAL OF PLANNING COMMISSION DENIAL OF DR-00-054 & V-01-
002 (517-14-087) -MARTIN/ROSE, KITTRIDGE ROAD
STAFF RECOMMENDATION:
Continue Public Hearing at the request of the Appellant.
Tom Sullivan, Director of Community Development, presented staff report.
Director Sullivan explained that the applicant has requested Design Review and
Variance approval to construct a new 7,272 square foot two story residence on a
347,173 square foot vacant parcel. The Variance is necessary for the retaining
walls to exceed five feet in height and possibly closer than 10 feet for parallel
walls. The Variance is also necessary to exceed 15,000 square feet of impervious
surface due to a long driveway. On March 28, 2001 the Planning Commission
approved the item (4-1).
4 May 16, 2001
City Council Minutes
Director Sullivan reported Mr. & Mrs. Samel filed an appeal over concern of
inadequate drainage affecting their property, which is located below the subject
property, on Kittridge Road.
Director Sullivan noted that in response the Public Works and Planning Staff
visited the site to gain information and offer suggestions to the applicants Engineer
to improve the drainage situation.
Director Sullivan noted that a meeting was held with the Samsel's to review the
progress and gain their input. The Samsel's agree to all but one of the conditions.
A subsequent meeting will be held on May 15, 2001 to resolve this final matter.
The applicant's have therefore requested a continuance of the City Council appeal
hearing tonight in order to resolve the issues between the two parties.
BOGOSIAN/STREIT MOVED TO CONTINUE THE APPEAL OF THE
PLANNING COMMISSION FOR THE PROPERTY LOCATED ON
KITTRIDGE ROAD TO JUNE 6, 2001. MOTION PASSED 5-0.
APPEAL OF PLANNING COMMISSION DENIAL OF DR-00-036 (39%05-
091) - SAN FILIPPO, SOBEY ROAD
STAFF RECOMMENDATION:
Deny the appeal and uphold the Planning Commission's decision.
Vice Mayor Streit stated that he is recusing himself from participating in this public
heating due to the fact that the applicant is a client of his firm.
Director Sulhvan presented staff report.
Director Sullivan explained that the applicant requested Design Review and Use
Permit approval to construct a new 5,312 square foot two story residence with a 608
square foot basement and 529 square foot cabana on a vacant lot. The Use Permit
approval is necessary to allow the cabana to be located within the rear yard setback.
The Planning Commission held a public hearing on January 14, 2001 and continued
the item for a redesign to address issues of bulk and mass as well as compatibility
with the neighboring properties. The applicant remmed to the Planning Commission
on March 4, 2001 with the following changes; reduction in overall height, and an
emphasis on landscape screening rather than distance to buffer the proposed
residence fi.om adjacent neighbors. Director Sullivan noted that there were no
changes to the footprint or floor area of the design. The Planning Commission
denied the project (5-0)
Mayor Mehaffey opened the public hearing at 7:40 p.m. and invited the applicant to
speak on behalf of their proposed project.
Norm Matteoni, 1740 Technology Drive, stated that he represents the property
owner, Grace San Filippo. Mr. Matteoni noted that he would address some of the
issues the Planning Commission had with the proposed project.
City Council Minutes 5 May 16, 2001
Mr. Matteoni stated that after observing the existing residents along Sobey Road he
could not fred a unified architectural style.
In regards to the height of the proposed design, Mr. Matteoni commented that the
house is actually two feet lower in overall height than Mr. McNeil's house. Mr.
Matteoni noted that although they did not agree with the Planning Commission's
recommendations to decrease the height, the project's architect lowered the height
fi:om 26 feet to 24 feet. Mr. Mateoni pointed out that the architect also changed the
color of the roof tile fi:om red to earth tones.
Mr. Matteoni explained that the concems of invading Mr. McNeil's privacy, is
unlikely because the portion of the house in question is not intended to be a primary
hving space for the owner.
Mr. Matteoni concluded that the Planning Commission did have some good
suggestions, which they have tried to comply with, but disagreed with the comments
that this house presents bulk and mass. Mr. Matteoni explained that the Commission
comments were unjustified. He explained that the proposed design fits into the
natural terrain of the lot, has a low level of appearance to the road, and in overall
height, is two feet lower than the McNeil house.
Tim McNeil, 18450 Sobey Road, noted that his objections are very clear and simple.
Mr. McNeil stated that his main request is to avoid starting the footprint of the house
along the slope cascading down the hill. Mr. McNeil noted the current design of the
house invades his family's privacy. Mr. McNeil noted that the Planning Commission
denied the apphcation twice and urged the Council to deny the appeal and uphold the
Planning Commission's decision.
Dave Scott, 14269 Quito Road, noted that his house is on the eastern border of the
proposed house. Mr. Scott noted that he shares a lot of the same objections that Mr.
McNeil already addressed. Mr. Scott indicated that he feels that the applicant is
t~ing to build too much on that size lot. Mr. Scott noted that the arbor level looks
like a third level. Mr. Scott does not object to a house on the lot as long it has
sufficient screening from noise and light and the water drainage issues are addressed.
Mr. Scott requested that the Council deny the appeal and uphold the Planning
Commission's decision.
Cynthia Barry, Chair/Planning Commission, 19281 San Marcos Road, explained the
four issues that concerned the Planning Commission:
· Architectural Style - Applicant has addresses this concem
· Total hardscape of the property - not just the house but also the amount of
patio, driveways etc. The applicant has maximum use of the entire lot. This
was a great concern of the Planning Commission because of the drainage
issues. Applicant has reduced total coverage by 30%.
· Location of house on the lot contributes to the mass and bulk. The Planning
Commission was not concerned about the perception fi:om the street but the
bulk and mass presented to the neighbors. The applicant has not made any
changes to address this issue.
· Drainage problems.
City Council Minutes 6 May 16, 2001
Chair Ban'y explained that the Planning Commissioners never saw the story poles
prior to either of the Planning Commission meetings in January and March 2001.
Ms. Barry stated that this kind of problem could be avoided if the City implemented a
policy or guidelines to follow in regards to story poles.
Chair Barry noted that the applicant does not understand why the Planning
Commission denied this project. The applicant feels that they have not exceeded the
allowable square footage and has adhered to the set back requirements. Chair Barry
indicated that she believes the applicant does not have a clear understanding of the
level of scrutiny that the law mandates the Planning Commission to have. The
Planning Commission has discretion over issues such as mass, bulk and compatibility
with the existing neighborhood.
Councilmember Waltonsmith asked if the Planning Commission viewed the site with
the stoW poles.
Chair Barry explained that the story poles were not erected before the January
meeting and apparently erected in March, but the Commission was never notified.
Councilmember Baker requested a clearer definition of the drainage issues discussed
by Mr. McNeil and Mr. Scott.
In response to Councilmember Baker, Chair Ban~ explained that the Commission
was more concerned with the mount of impervious coverage planned on this site
The Commission wanted to know how the water was going to be contained and
dispersed on site. Chair Barry noted that this is a standard issue that the Planning
Commission raises. The Planning Commission would rather have the water be
retained on site rather than go into the storm drain and into the bay. The Commission
felt the containment and distribution of water would be a problem because of the
amount of coverage the property that the owner had planned.
Councilmember Bogosian asked if the Planning Commission requested stoW poles to
be erected.
Chair Barry responded that stow poles were never requested.
Director Sullivan noted that the stow poles went up after the site visit and before the
hearing.
Mayor Mehaffey asked if there were any study sessions with the neighbors.
Chair Barry responded no.
Mr. Matteoni addressed the following issues in response to Chair Barry's comments:
· In regards to the drainage problems, the architect for the project has meet
with the Public Works Department and they are clear in terms of the City's
recommendations.
· In regards to the story poles, they were voluntarily placed on the site.
city Council Minutes 7 May 16, 2001
The questions raised in regards Mr. McNeil's property, The second story, of
the design is approxiamtelyl,500 square feet and the 300 feet in question is
over the arbor area and is the furthest away from Mr. McNeil's house.
In regards to the request to push the house further down the hill in the comer.
It is typical on Sobey Road the existing houses are not hidden they have some
relation to the street. Ms. Rose does not want to alter her design in regards to
the street line.
Mayor Mehaffey closed the public heating at 8:15 p.m.
Councilmember Baker stated that he does not agree with the Planning Commission's
decision or the comments made by the surrounding neighbors. Councilmember
Baker noted that he supports the design at fault with the house lowering the
appearance of the tower in fromt of the house
Councilmember Bogosian noted that he visited the site and supports the Planning
Commission's decision for the following reasons:
· The design is excessively bulky for the lot size
· Privacy issues of the neighbors
· Hillside increases in the bulk and mass
Councilmember Waltonsmith noted that she visited the site today, and stated she
supports the Planning Commission's decision because the design is too big for the
lot.
Mayor Mehaffey noted that he has concern in regards to the neighbor's privacy, but
supports the placement of the house in relation to the street. Although he supports the
design, Mayor Mehaffey noted that he has not heard any compelling reason to
overturn the Planning Commission's decision.
BOGOSIAN/WALTONSMITH MOVED TO UPHOLD THE DECISION OF
TIlE PLANNING COMMISSION IN REGARDS TO THE PROPERTY
LOCATED ON SOBEY ROAD.
OPPOSING AND STREIT ABSTAINTNG.
Mayor Mehaffey requested a ten-minute recess.
Mayor Mehaffey reconvened the meeting at 8:35 p.m.
CONSENT CALENDAR
2A. REVIEW OF CHECK REGISTER
STAFF RECOMMENDATION:
Approve check register.
Councilmember Bogosain pulled 2A from the Consent Calendar.
8
city Council Minutes
MOTION PASSED 3-1-0-1 WITH BAKER
May 16, 2001
2B.
2C.
2D.
Councilmember Bogosian questioned the entry on page 13, Santa Clara County
Sheriff's Department for $506.94.
Director Walker responded that a City employee's wages were garnished.
Councilmember Bogosian questioned the entry on page 15, Vetronix
Corporation, for a crash data retrieval kit. Councilmember Bogosian asked
what it was and why was the City paying for it.
Director Walker noted that the Sheriff' s Department purchase would be
reimbursed using money from the City received from the CLEEP grant.
Captain Miles explained that the device purchased hooks up to the computers
in the Sheriff's Department patrol cars and tells them vehicular data.
BOGOSIAN/WALTONSMITH MOVED TO APPROVE CHECK
REGISTER. MOTION PASSED 5-0.
APRIL FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
STAFF RECOMMENDATION:
Note and file.
STREIT/BOGOSIAN MOVED TO NOTE AND FILE APRIL FINANCIAL
STATEMENTS. MOTION PASSED 5-0.
REVIEW OF PLANNING COMMISSION ACTION MINUTES OF
MAY 9, 2001
STAFF RECOMMENDATION:
Note and file.
STREITfBOGOSIAN MOVED TO NOTE AND FILE PLANNING
ACTION MINUTES. MOTION PASSED 5-0.
FINAL MAP APPROVAL FOR FIVE LOTS LOCATED AT 20251
SARATOGA-LOS GATOS ROAD, SD-00-002; HOWELL & MCNEIL
DEVELOPMENT, LLC
STAFF RECOMMENDATION:
Approve Final Map.
TITLE OF RESOLUTION: 01-028
RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF
SARATOGA AMENDING RESOLUTION NO. 01-001 APPROVING
TENTATIVE MAP NO. SD-00-002
TITLE OF RESOLUTION: SD-00-002
city Council Minutes 9
May 16, 2001
2E.
2F.
RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF
SARATOGA GRANTING FINAL MAP APPROVAL FOR FIVE LOTS
LOCATED AT 20251 SARATOGA-LOS GATOS ROAD, SD-00-002;
HOWELL & MCNEIL DEVELOPMENT, LLC
Vice Mayor Streit pulled Item 2D from the Consent Calendar.
Vice Mayor Streit noted that when the City Council approved the project in
January 2001 one of the conditions was that the Developers plant sufficient
landscaping in front of the flag lot to prevent noise and headlights from
disturbing Mr.& Mrs. Lee, and he did not read that in the resolution.
John Cherbone, Public Works Director, responded that the condition he
mentioned was inadvertently left out of the resolution that was in the staff
report to Council. Director Cherbone explained that the condition has been
added in the revised resolution, which is before the Council tonight.
WALTONSMITH/STREIT MOVED TO APPROVE RESOLUTION
01-028 AMENDING RESOLUTION 00-001. MOTION PASSED 5-0.
WALTONSMITH/STREIT MOVED TO ADOPT RESOLUTION SD-00-
002 GRANTING FINAL MAP APPROVAL. MOTION PASSED 5-0.
STREIT/BOGOSIAN MOVED TO AUTHORIZE THE MAYOR TO
EXECUTE SUBDIVISION IMPROVEMENT AGREEMENT. MOTION
PASSED 5-0.
ACCEPT NOTICE OF COMPLETION FOR THE PARK
RESTORATION IMPROVEMENT PROJECT- CIP NO 0001
STAFF RECOMMENDATION:
Accept Notice.
STREIT/BOGOSIAN MOVED TO ACCEPT NOTICE OF COMPLETION
FROM JENS HANSON CONSTRUCTION COMPANY. MOTION
PASSED 5-0.
RESOLUTION SUPPORTING THE TRANSBAY TERMINAL
IMPROVEMENT PLAN
STAFF RECOMMENDATION:
Adopt resolution.
Councilmember Bogosain pulled 2A from the Consent Calendar.
Councilmember Bogosain asked why the VTA representative to the Peninsula
Comdor Joint Powers Board opposed participation in the Transbay Terminal
Joint Powers Authority.
city Council Minutes 10 May 16, 2001
2G.
2H.
Councilmember Waltonsmith noted that she is the City's liaison to the VTA
Advisory Board and does not recall discussing this project.
Before he could support this resolution, Councilmember Bogosian requested
that staff find out the reason why VTA opposed to participate in the Transbay
Terminal Joint Powers Authority.
BAKER/BOGOSIAN MOVED TO CONTINUE ITEM 2F TO THE CITY
COUNCIL MEETING ON JUNE 6, 2001. MOTION PASSED 5-0.
AUTHORIZATION TO CITY MANAGER TO EXECUTE
AGREEMENT WITH CAPORICCI, CROPPER & LARSON, LLP TO
PROVIDE AUDITING SERVICES FOR FY 2001-2005
STAFF RECOMMENDATION:
Authorize City Manager to execute agreement.
STREIT/BOGOSIAN MOVED TO AUTHORIZE EXECUTION OF
AGREEMENT WITH CAPORICCI, CROPPER & LARSON, LLP.
MOTION PASSED 5-0.
PURCHASE OF PROPERTY ADJACENT TO HAKONE PARK
STAFF RECOMMENDATION:
Adopt resolution and approve agreement with County of Santa Clara.
TITLE OF RESOLUTION: 01-029
RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF
SARATOGA APPROVING THE PURCHASE OF TAX-DEFAULTED
REAL PROPERTY ADJACENT TO HAKONE GARDENS PARK
STREIT/BOGOSIAN MOVED TO ADOPT RESOLUTION AND
APPROVE AGREEMENT WITH COUNTY OF SANTA CLARA.
MOTION PASSED 5-0.
OLD BUSINESS
None
NEW BUSINESS
Mayor Mehaffey noted that Mr. Steve Kacuchi/Greg Lng & Associates, was present
tonight and requested that Item 6 be heard before the budget presentation.
Consensus of the City Council to move to Item 6.
6. AUTHORIZATION TO CITY MANAGER TO EXECUTE
AGREEMENT OF A PROFESSIONAL SERVICES AGREEMENT FOR
THE SARATOGA-SUNNYVALE ROAD IMPROVEMENT PROJECT
11 May 16, 2001
City Council Minutes
STAFF RECOMMENDATION:
Authorize City Manager to execute agreement.
John Cherbone, Director of Public Works, presented staff report.
Director Cherbone explained that when Highway 85 was completed in 1994,
Caltrans pursued relinquishment of Saratoga-Sunnyvale Road from Highway 9
to Prospect Road. After lengthy negotiations, the City agreed to accept
responsibility for the road including $2 million dollars from the state to
perform needed infrastructure improvements.
Director Cherbone reported that after several Gateway Task Force meetings
consensus was reached to use the original ideas developed in 1996 Specific
Plan for that area as a template for the nature and type of improvements for the
project. The Task Fome decided to move separately with the design of the
public improvements, while continuing to work with the Community
Development Department to complete the business/residential design
guidelines for the Gateway Specific Plan.
Director Cherbone explained that over the past few months, staffhas been
working on the retention ora qualified design consultant for this project.
Three qualified firms were chosen and asked to submit cost proposals.
Director Cherbone explained the following cost proposals:
· Greglng & Associates: $226,375
· Mark Thomas & Co., Inc.: $261,132
· A-NWest Inc.: $521,000
Director Cherbone noted that Greg lng & Associates, who submitted the
lowest cost proposal, has assembled a team which includes Design Studio
West, a nationally recognized planning and engineering design firm, as well as
a local engineering firm, Allied Engineering Inc.
Director Cherbone noted that Greg lng & Associates is currently the City's
landscape architect for the Congress Springs Park Improvement Project and
who are developing the Azule Park Conceptual Plan.
Director Cherbone explained that design work is scheduled to commence as
soon as an agreement is executed and the project will be ready for bid by
spring of 2002 with construction commencing soon after. A Gateway Task
Fome meeting will be scheduled towards the end of the month to introduce the
design consultant and to move forward with the public input process.
Director Cherbone noted that Steve Kachuci was present tonight to answer
questions that the Council might have.
Councilmember Baker asked if Seagull Way was included in this proposal.
Director Cherbone responded that Seagull Way is a separate project and would
soon be brought to Council to approve a contract with Fehr & Peers.
City Council Minutes 12 May 16, 2001
Vice Mayor Streit asked Mr. Kachuci how Greg Ing& Associates were
affiliated with Design Studio West.
Steve Kachuci, Landscape Architect/Greg Ing& Associates, responded that the
two companies have been working together for the past ten years. Mr. Kachuci
noted that Design Studio West is known for their downtown improvement
projects. Mr. Kachuci noted that Design West Studio would help identify the
character and theme for the Gateway area.
Councilmember Waltonsmith noted that the railroad crossing at Seagull Way is
part of the proposed Union Pacific Raikoad Trail Project. Councilmember
Waltonsmith suggested that Greg lng & Associates contact the Alta
Consulting.
Mr. Kachuci responded that he would contact Alta Consulting.
Councilmember Bogosian noted that he has been very pleased with the work
Greg lng & Associates have done for the City and fully supports this contract.
Councilmember Bogosian asked if public meetings were going to be held.
Director Cherbone responded that everyone along Saratoga~Sunnyvale Road
would be noticed and article placed in the Saratoga News.
BOGOSIAN/STREIT MOVED TO APPROVE ACCEPT PROPOSAL
FROM GREG ING & ASSOCIATES FOR DESIGN AND
ENGINEERING SERVICES FOR SARATOGA-SUNNYVALE ROAD
IN THE AMOUNT OF $226,375. MOTION PASSED 5-0.
FISCAL YEARS 2001/02 AND 2002/03 DRAFT BUDGET
PRESENTATION
STAFF RECOMMENDATION:
Continue the budget study sessions.
Mary Walker, Director of Administrative Services, presented staff report.
Director Walker noted that she would be explaining the following components
of the City's proposed budget for FY 2001-02 and 2002-03: · Expenditures
· Capital Projects
· Five Year Projections
· Fund Balances Reserves
· Next Steps
Director Walker explained the FY 01-02 expenditure summary by function as
follows:
· Library Project 41%
· Capital Improvements 17%
· Public Works 10%
city Council Minutes 13
May l6,2001
· General Government 9%
· Public Safety 9%
· Debt Services 3%
· Environmental Services 3%
· Recreation Services 2%
· Community Services 2%
Director Walker explained the FY 01-02 fund expenditure summary by
function as follows:
· General Government 39%
· Public Safety 39%
· Public Works 12%
· Other Functions 8%
· Community Development 2%
Director Walker noted that the Finance Commission met on Monday and
reviewed the 5-year balance projections. The Finance Commission also
suggested that the City allocate $2 million dollars in a reserve fund although
staff recommended $4 million.
A discussion took place and a consensus of the City Council to allocated
$1.5 million dollars in a reserve fund.
Director Walker noted that in a recent memorandum from ABAG Power
regarding the suspension of the program because they feel they no longer can
compete with PG&E rates which are supported by the State of California.
ABAG Power estimates that electricity costs will increase by approximately
50% next year, rather than the 30% they previously recommended to their
members. This increase represents a $26,000 increase in FY01-02.
Director Walker explained some general assumptions for FY01-02 & 02-03: · New positions have been added
· Wage and benefits adjustments still being negotiated with employee
bargaining units - assumed 4%
· Generally assumed a 3% increase in other expenses, with exceptions
Director Walker highlighted several budget expenditures:
GENERAL GOVERNMENT
· Commission recognition event in City Council budget
· Support for 4th of July parade
· $200,000 contingency
· Replacement vehicles - per replacement schedule, plus dump truck
· Financial Management includes $25,000 for GASB 34 implementation
· Postage machine replacement
· MIS includes funding for Recreation software
· Citywide newsletter
city Council Minutes 14 May 16, 2001
PUBLIC SAFETY
· Sheriff's Office contract increased by 5%. Includes the two new patrol
officers
· Animal Control JPA for sheltering in Animal Control budget
($108,150). Field services in Integrated Waste Budget ($82,347) due to
funding sources
PUBLIC WORKS
· Street Maintenance - Pavement Management Program is accelerated,
resulting from additional Measure B sales tax and TEA-21 revenues
COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT
· Includes new positions added at mid-year
· General Advanced planning study funded for $10,000
ENVIRONMENTAL SERVICES
· Environmental spring clean-up day budgeted for $45,000 in integrated
Waste
· Animal field services with Animal Control JPA
· Storm Water Management includes $10;300 for Saratoga Creek work,
per Baykeeper agreement
RECREATION SERVICES
· Revenues and expenditures in Recreation Services and Teen Services
are budgeted at a higher level, by assuming a greater level of demand
for recreation services
· If the demand does not materialize, classes and trips will not take place,
and expenses will be lower
COMMUNITY SUPPORT
· $25,000 of improvements for the Community Theater
· $15,000 in support to SASCC and $3,000 for facility maintenance of
the Senior Center
· Community Access AT&T represents 40% ofAT&T fxanchise fees,
per agreement
· Economic Development program
· Hakone Gardens park program. Costs per agreement
DEBT SERVICES
· Library bond paid off in FY 01-02, and new bonds begin in the same
year
CAPITAL IMPROVEMENTS
· Quito Road bridges
· Saratoga-Sunnyvale Road
· Park Development
· Saratoga Library
city Council Minutes 15 May 16, 2001
Director Walker briefly explained the five-year fund balance projections and
fund balance reserves.
Director Walker noted that the next steps are: ,, Incorporate any City Council Changes
· Adopt budget and resolution on June 6th
· Prepare budget summary brochure
· Distribute final budget document in July
· Capital Improvement Program in fall
A discussion took place in regards to the amount of money to allocate to the
CIP program.
In regards to the C1P program, Councilmember Waltonsmith requested that
staff provide the City Council with a list of all the projects that might be on the
project list.
Director Walker explained that two request have came in that were not in their
packet:
1) Joint Venture Silicon Valley Network for $2,500.00
2) Saratoga Chamber of Commerce for $33,404.00 ($3,400.00 in the
proposed budget).
Consensus of the Council: · Joint Venture - do not grant request
· Chamber of Commerce - only allocate $3,400.00
Mayor Mehaffey thanked Director Walker for her report.
Mayor Mehaffey declared a fifteen (15) minute recess at 9:27 p.m.
Mayor Mehaffey reconvened the meeting at 9:42 p.m.
AGENCY ASSIGNMENT REPORTS
Mayor Mehaffey reported the following information:
Hakone Board - raised over $100,000.00 from Japanese corporations. Next week
the Executive Committee would be bring the Articles of Incorporation to the
Board for approval.
Vice Mayor Streit had reported that the Legislative Task Force meets next week and
Santa Clara Valley Water and the Santa Clara County Valley Water Commission meet
quarterly.
City Council Minutes 16 May 16, 2001
Councilmember Bogosian reported the following information:
Silicon Valley Animal Control JPA - Debra Briggs was hired as the new Director.
The first public hearing will be held next Monday at 6 p.m. to discuss fees for
licensing.
Councilmember Waltonsmith reported the following information:
· SASCC - selected a new Senior Center Director.
Councilmember Baker reported the following information:
· KSAR - Carolyn de los Santos was recently hired as the new director.
CITY COUNCIL ITEMS
Councilmember Waltonsmith requested that the Community Development Department
draft a policy in regards to the use of story poles and bring it back to Council for
discussion.
Councilmember Bogosian noted he supported Councilmember Waltonsmith's request.
OTHER
Mayor Mehaffey requested that the City of Saratoga draft a letter to our elected official
supporting the retention of the VLF.
CITY MANAGER'S REPORT
City Manager Anderson reported that he accompanied a group of Saratoga residents to
Sacramento for a heating on AB613. The Committee imposed an amendment and made
the bill perspective only.
City Manager Anderson reported that he has made an offer to one of the candidates
interviewed for the Assistant Manager position.
City Manager Anderson reported that the staff Engineer at KSAR would be checking the
sound system in the Adult Day Care Center within the next of days.
ADJOURNMENT
Mayor Meha~eY.a_djoumed the meeting at 11:25 p.m.
City Council Minutes
17 May 16, 2001