HomeMy WebLinkAbout09-16-1970 City Council Minutes TIME: WEDNESDAY, SEPTEMBER 16, 1970 - 7:30 P.M.
PLACE: SARATOGA CITY COUNCIL CHAMBERS, 13777FRUITVALE AVENUE, SARATOGA, CALIFORNIA
TYPE: REGULAR MEETING
I. ORGANIZATION
A. ROLL CALL
The meeting was called to order at 7:35 P.M. All Councilmen were present.
B. MINUTES
Moved by Mayor Robbins~ seconded by Councilman Sanders that the minutes
of September 2, be approved as distributed; carried unanimously.
II. BIDS & CONTRACTS - None
III. PETITIONS, ORDINANCES & FORMAL RESOLUTIONS
A. ORDINANCE NO. 46.2 - An Ordinance Revoking CATV Franchiseawarded to
California Cable Television Corporation.
OI{D. 46.2 City Manager Huff reported that this was the time for adoption of this
CABLE T.V. Ordinance if the Council so desires. It was introduced and read at the
FRANCHISE last meeting. The Public Hearing was held at the preceeding meeting as
REVOKED required by the City Code.
Moved by Councilman Dwyer for adoption of Ordinance 46.2 revoking CATV
Franchise awarded to California Cable Television Corporation, seconded
by Mr. Smith; carried unanimously.
IV. SUBDIVISIONS, BUILDING SITES & ZONING REQUESTS
A. UP-164 - SARATOGA FOOTHILLS DEVELOPMENT CORPORATION - Request for
Release of Performance Bond
UP-164 City Manager Huff reported that this was a bond posted to guarantee
SARATOGA compliance with the conditions of a Use Permit for the Model Home
FOOTHILLS Sales Office. This us~has been terminated by selling out of the
homes in the tract and Mr. Huff recommended that Council authorize
release of the bond.
Moved by Councilman Sanders for release of the performance bond
on U.P. 164, s~conded by Mr. Dwyer; carried unanimously.
B. TRACT 4825 - GLASGOW DRIVE - Approval of Subdivision Map
TR. 4825 City Manager Huff reported that all conditions have been met and this
GLASGOW DRIVE is the time for adoption of Resolution SD 839-1 approving the final
map of the first unit.
Moved by Councilman Sanders for Adoption of Resolution SD 839-1,
seconded by Councilman Dwyer; carried unanimously.
It not being 8:00 P~M. Mayor Robbins announced that the Council would proceed to
Item VI on the Agenda.
VI. ADMINISTRATIVE MATTERS
A. MAYOR
EXECUTIVE 1. Mayor Robbins announced that he would call an executive session
SESSION following the regular meeting for the purpose of discussing land.
negotiations.
2. Mayor Robbins reported on the statu~ of the Youth Commission. The
YOUTH City has been receiving applications but would like to have more.
COMMISSION The Administrative Assistant is preparing news releases to inform
the public what the Youth Commission is expected to do. He will
also contact the various scho~is. Councilman Smith suggested that
Dave Moyles, Student Body President at Saratoga High School be
contacted in this regard.
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CITY COUNCIL MINUTES - SEPTEMBER 16, 1970 - CONTINUED
3. At the request of Mayor Robbins,~ Mr. Mariani reported that the Parks and
Recreation Commission recon~nends to the City Council that the Scully
Triangle parksite, bordering on,Scully Avenue and the future West Valley
MORAN . : h e e h o
MEMORIAL
PARK Inasmuch as the Scully park site is the most likely to be developed as
a large neighborhood park with a bro~d range of facilities it was felt
that this site should bear the designation. It is also hoped that this
site's,development will be give~ priority and that the City Council
consider diverting more city funds to initiate deve.lopment as quickly
as possible.
Mayor Robbins stated that he felt this was a logical move and the~be~t
site from all respects for the reasons listed by the Parks and Recreation
Commission. He felt it was appropriate to adopt a minute resolution to
'this effect. f
Moved by Mayor ~Robbins, seconded by Councilman Smith that the former
Scully Triangle Park Site be named the Kevin Maran Memorial Park;
carried unanimously.
Mayor Robbins proposed that he and the Vice Mayor meet with the Moran
family to discuss with them the appropriate dedication ceremonies along
with the Chairman of the Parks and Recreation Cormmission. He also
proposed involving the residents of the area in the planning ceremonies.
B. FINANCE
1. Payment of Claims
Moved by Councilman Smith that the list of disbursements totalling
$29,775.57 be approved and that the Mayor be authorized to sign the
necessary warrants; seconded by Councilman Sanders; carried unanimously.
2. City Clerk's Financial Report -:Noted and filed.
3. Treasurer's Report - Noted and ~ile~
C.COUNCIL COMMISSION & COMMITTEE REPORTS - None
D.DEPARTMENT HEADS & OFFICERS
1. Resolution No. SDR 866-1
RESL'N. Planning Director Walker reported on this non-agendized request for Final
SDR 866-1 Building Site Approval. This is a building site on Bohtman Road for Dr.
DR. CAMPION Donn Campion where he was remodelling his home and the City found he was
contemplating extensive remodelling which would have to go through site
approval. It was a rather si~e matter involving three conditions:
1) payment of drainage fee; 2) payment of a Park and Recreation fee;
and 3) Offer of Dedication to provide for a 30 foot half-street on Bohlman
Road.
There was'no objection from the Council to considering this I~m at this
time.
Moved by Mr. Smith for adoption of Resolution No. SDR 866-1 for Final
Building Site Approval, seconded by Mr. Sanders; carried unanimously.
SDR~623 2. City Manager Huff reported thatZ he had two recon~nendations from the
Director of Public Works for action with regard to bonds - one was
SDR-623. The improvements have been completed and Fir. Shook recommended
acceptance of improvements for construction only.
Moved by Councilman Smith to accept improvements for construction only
and that the one year maintenance period begin, seconded by Councilman
Sanders; carried unanimously.
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CITY COUNCIL MINUTES - SEPTEMBER 16, 1970 - CONTINUED
SDR-680 - Ljepava
This involves a developmen't at .the end of Debbie Lane. All improvements have
been completed and the deficiencies corrected at the end of the one year
maintenance period and! it is recommended that the bond be released.
Moved by Councilman Smith, seconded by Councilman Sanders to accept improvements
on SDR-680 and that the bond be released; carried unanimously.
It now being 8:00 P.M., the Mayor returned to Public Hearings.
V. PUBLIC HEARINGS - 8:00 P.M.
A. C-130 - SARATOGA FOOTHILLS DEVELOPMENT CORPORATION, FOOTHILL AVENUE
Continued from 8-5-70 ~
The City Manager reported that at the last meeting the City Council had
received a letter from the developer requesting withdrawal of this
application. The City Attorney had advised that since the Public Hearing
was scheduled, it would still be necessary to hold it. This is the time
and the place for the Public Hearing.
~ouncilman Smith reported that if%the withdrawal was still effective he
would have some comments with regard to the Planned Community concept
generally.
Mayor Robbins opened the Continued Public Hearing in the matter of C-130
at 8:01 P.M.
Jerry Lohr, representing Sarat0gaTFoothills Development Council, who
resides at 19802 Charters Avenue, Saratoga addressed.the Council. He
stated that it was primarily Mr. Orr's decision to withdraw this application
for three reasons: 1) the proposed re-zoning appeared to be causing major
controversy and it wasn't their desire to cause such hard feelings; 2) concern
about the ong~ing responsibilities and potential problems brought about by
this particular _development in terms of the maintenance of the community
facilities; 3) the time expended in developing the plan. IH~ ~till believed
in the project but shared the concern about the potential~oblemsinvolved
in maintaining the community center. Initially the developer was enthusiastic
about the planned community but feels that he hasn't received much endourage-
ment from the LCity. Mr. Lohr continued that they withdrew for these reasons
an~ have since submitted another plan to the Planning Commission which is
before the Subdivision Committee. The Planning Commission has scheduled
a Study Session which is open to any interested citizens to discuss alternate
possible developments for this property. Mr. Lohr stated that it would be
helpful to the developer to have the Council's feeling about this type of
development and he was~willing to~answer any questions.
Mayor Robbins pointed out that this was not really the proper place for a
discussion of this type since t~e matter Before the Council was the question
of re-zoning the area. He did not feel a discussion regarding the general
philosophy for development of this area was appropriate at this time.
Mr. Lohr suggested that the Council members attend the study session on
Monday evening,~Sep~ember 21.
Bernie Turgeon, 138494Malcolm, a~so representing Saratoga Foothills
Development Corporation addressed the Council. He felt that the possible
solution would be to continue the p~esent hearing and go into the matter
in more detail. He strongly favored the general concept of Planned
Community zoning, and felt that th~ plan presented was the best one and
deserved careful consideration.
Mr. Dwyer stated that it ~as his impression from the foregoing comments
that with any kind of encouragement from the %Council the applicants
might change their minds and come. back with a planned community proposal.
Mr*. Turgepn ~ffirmed' that they had been talking toMr. Orr and they were
reluctant to give up the wholeidea until they had explored all avenues.
if it could not be done he suggested that the planned community ordinance
be removed from the books.
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SARATOGA CITY COUNCIL MINUTES - SEPTEMBER 16, 1970 - CONTINUED
Mr. Lohr stressed that the main reason for withdrawal was the fear [hat it
was causing dissension.
Mr. Turgeon felt that planned commuBity was the coming thing in the future
of America and not just in Saratogas.
Mr. Johnston stated that we do not hive a provision in our Ordinance to permit
a withdrawal. The procedure in the past has been to treat it as a ~request
that the Council abandon proceedings~ Once the re-zoning procedure has
started it is possible to continue r~ght on and ignore the request for
withdrawal.
Mr. Dwyer felt that the matter of planned community was extremely important
and voiced his preference to have the hearing continued.
Mr. Smith felt that Planned Community generally was a good concept and an
important way to preserve open space~ Also, it is consistent with Beck's
report about the development of that area and this is a keysparcel which
will set the tone. He wondered about the problems involved in having a
conventional map before the Planning Commission and the mechanics involved
in keeping the residents aware.of what is going on.
Planning Director Walker stated that'as far as the tentative map before the
Planning Commission was concerned, i[ was necessary for the Commission to
'act wit~in~f~d~s'~unleS!S~'.the applicant grants=.an extension. He assumed
that if the zoning matter was continued there would be no p~oblem in obtain-
in~ an extension from the applicant. Mr. Walker noted that the study session
which is being held by the Planning ~ommission is primarily to determine
whether slope density standards should be applied to this more recent
tentative map and does not relate~ directly to the planned community
development or specifically t6 the C-130 application.
Mr. Sanders did not wish to discuss the specific proposal but stated he was
at the Planning Commission meeting, and the general discussion of slope
density involved a great deal of researching of the objectives of slope
density. It seemed to hfm that there was a consensus that in land where
there is a topographic problem they will probably have to apply both slope
density and cut and fill minimum-maximum standards.
Mr. Smith felt that the first obligation was to direct the City Manager to
contact the citizens involved.
Mayor Robbins stressed that although the City Council favors the general
concept of Planned!~0mmunity Zoning,lthey have not taken a stand with regard
to this particular design.
Start Marshall, 19610 Three Oaks Way addressed the Council. He felt that the
law had not been kept with respect to the matter of sending notices of a
zoning change to all prope~.ty owners'within 500 feet, in spite of the fact
that the Councilhad been notified that this was the case.
The City Attorney pointed out that it was only necessary to send a notice once
and if the party already in fact had'actual knowledge of the hearing, the
~ailing of a notice is not required.
Mr. Marshall pointed out that the information was transmitted by a Citizens
Committee and not by the goverhing board. He did not feel it was proper or
that the residents had been given enough time to enter an argument. He felt
they should be allowed at least two weeks to fall back and re-group and
have people en-masse attend the next, session. He felt strongly that everyone
within.500 feet should be notified.
Moved by Councilman Smith for continuation of the Public Hearing to the next
City Council meeting on October~7, seconded by CoUncilman'Bridges; carried
unanimously with Councilman Sanders abstaining.
For the record it was noted that Councilman Sanders did not participate in
discussion of the merits of the pending application nor did he vote on the
matter.
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SARATOGA CITY COUNCIL MINUTES I-/~_B~PTEMBER 16, 1970 - CONTINUED
Without objection, Mayor Robb'ins directed the staff to mail notices to
all people who live within 500 feet of this property and that this public
hearing be continued to the next regular meeting on October 7.
Mayor Robbins closed the discussion o~ this matter for the evening at 8:30 P.M.
B. V-349 - JOHN WALLACE, LUMBERTON LANE - ContinUed from 9-2-70. An Appeal to
the City Councxl of the Planning Commission Decision to Deny the Variance.
cify Manager Huff reported that atethe last meeting of the Council, the
Planning Committee reported on thi~ matter and recommended ~hat the matter
be referred to the Planning Commission once more for re-consideration,
particularly in the light of the r~quirements of the planned unit develop-
ment zoning which is in effect in this area. There is a report back from
the Planning Commission based' on that referral recommending that the City
Council deny the variance. Mr. Huff said that the City Attorney advised
that in order. for the jCouncil to consider anything other than whethe~ the
Planning COmmission had substantial reason to deny this request would require
a Hearing de nova.
Mayor Robbins stated that there are various ways to alleviate the condition:
1) granting a variance; 2) a perpetual easement; or 3) a 99 year lease.
The City Attorney pointed out that.the third alternative was not appropriate
because it relates to the definiti6n of site area. Transferring one portion
hill leave the remaining lot substandard in size. One property owner
could give another the right to use without reducing the site area but
a lease would not be possible without a variance.
Mayor Robbins opened the continuedTpublic hearing at 8:39 P.M.
John Wallace, the applicant, was present at the meeting. He stated that the
Planning Commission had advised that a perpetual easement might be the
solution to this problem.-However, Mr. Goldsmith had investigated this and
was not satisified that it would solve his requirements.
Public Hearing closed at 8:42 P.M. ~
For the benefit of the audience, Mr. Robbins quoted from Section 17.6 of
the Zoning Ordinance. He stated that it was his opinion that a variance
should not be granted if thee was some other way to solve the problem.
Since a perpetual easement will sorve this particular problem, he could
not see any reason to grant a variance.
In response to discussion as to whether a perpetual easement could provide
Mr. Goldsmith exclusionary use, the City Attorney stated that it could
and that he had drawn up the proper language for the easement.
Mr.l~mith stated that he felt that all five of the findings required could
be m~de and he would be willing to 'vote for a variance; but he would like
to have the hearing continued to give the parties time to work on the
alternative.
Moved by Councilman Smith, seconded by Councilman Bridges to re-open the
Public Hearing; carried unanimously. Mayor Robbins re-opened the Public
Hearing at 9:00 P.M.
Without objection, the Public Hearing was continued until the next regular
meeting of October 7,.1970.
C. GENERAL PLAN R~VIEW FOR 1970 - Public Hearing in Connection with the General
Plan Review
City Manager Huff stated that the. Planning Commission'recorfanended approval
of their report of August 24 on the 1970 General Plan Review.!
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SARATOGA CITY COUNCIL MINUTES - SEPTEMBER 16, 1970 - CONTINUED
The report submitted to the Council covered the individual items considered
within the General Plan, the recon~nendations and the meetings held to develop
these recormnendations.
Mayor Robbins opened the Public Hear.ing at 8:58 P.M. He read the General
Plan Review report aloud and the following discussion ensued.
~'S~a~g~1Avenue~ Cox Avenue~ West Valley Freeway Area. Mr. Huff referred
to a letter from Miles Rankine with regard to the Ormondo-Falcone property
located on the south side of the LSoUthern Pacific Railway tracks east of
Saratoga Avenue, consisting of approximately 16 acres. The letter asked the
Council to consider the property as ]future apartment land or land for a
senior citizens development.
Saratoga Avenue~ Lawrence E~pressway (Kosich property). City Manager Huff
referred to a letter from Jedko Properties dated September 15,~requesting
zoning other than single family use for this property.
~Pierce Road~ Ashley Way Area. Mr. Walker explained the Commission recommendation
to'establish a low density ~uffer between the medium density and very low
density areas. Mr. James F. Wilson, 12905 Pierce Road told the Council that
he owns the property recommended for low density designation. He stated that
the property owners to the west of his property had studied re-zoning. They
developed a proposal and met with the Planning ~l~ommission and its committees
to review the proposals. This is t~e recommendation of the General Plan
Committee. This particular plan does satisfy his request and he asked if
it would permit re-zoning of his property to permit development of three
half acre lots.
Mr. Walker stated that it would be possible on a squar~ footage basis to
develop two more lots besides the lot for the existing home if the property
were re-zoned to R-I-20,000. However, review of a tenative map would be
necessary before it could be determined how many lots could be developed.
Multiple Residential. Col. Ernest T. Barco, Jr., 18873 Dundee Avenue
repeated his support of senior citizens housing in Saratoga, referring to
his correspondence with the City and the 1966~report on senior citizen
housing prepared by a special conmmittee then appointed by the Mayor. Col.
Barco stressed that he was not discussing apartment development but was
urging provision of senior citizen ~ousing. He recommended that the staff
be told to get some answers. He said the Council should give them a specific
time limit, perhaps two months, in which to report to the City Council, and
that the Council should be prepared to develop a policy for senior citizens
housing upon receipt of the staff study.
Jerry ~o~rd<;~837 Sir Frances Drive, Capitola, a former resident of Saratoga
asked the Council to consider the longer period of time that this question
had been in the mill and apparently ignored. He stated that senior citizens
cannot apply for housing that does not exist so it is not possible to ascertain
how many applications would be forthcoming.
Councilman Dwyer stated that in the past it was felt that apartments would
meet the senior citizens' needs but that with the escalation 8f costs, this
was found not to be the answer..
Clarence Neale~ 14165 South Highway 85 stated that he had been a resident
since 1940 and was very concerned about senior citizen housing.
Mr. W~lk~r sta~ed that the Planning Commission, through the General Plan
Co~mm~tte~, intends to proceed im~n_ediately with t~s stpdy~to have it ready
for inclusion in the General Plan revision of 1971. The s[aff are to
inventory various proposals and prepare population projections, a list of
possible sites, and a catalog of standards and criteria used by other agencies
such as FHA and the State. Fir. Walker stated that the Planning Department
staff were working on this at the moment, and felt they could complete the
study well before April.
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SARATOGA CITY COUNCIL MINUTES - September 16, 1970 - CONTINUED
Councilman Sanders stated that the Planning Conm~issisn should have come up
with a more complete report on seni6r citizen housing, the City should have
some areas designated and some suggested criteria which distinguish an.f
apartment house from a senior citizens~ complex. We need discussion of how
many areas might be needed, the kind of financial security that should be
looked for in a developer that would do this' type of project and recorfanendations
for the kind of zoning for more than one classification for senior citizen
housing. We should not wait another year.
Mayor Robbins felt that it might be appropriate to hire supplementary staff
to conduct this study~ and directed~Mr. Walker to prepare an estimate of
staffing, cost, and time required for such a study for presentation to the
Council on October 7.
Mrs. Cabby Sithey, a resident of Cr~igen Circle, suggested that the City
ask M~. Barco~to recommend sites throughout the city that he felt would be
appropriate for a senior citizen complex.
Councilman Smith said he hoped that the Planning Commission study would
consider density and level of care, and not just suggestions as to
locations. He hoped the study could be done quickly and the Council
could act on it immediately without waiting for the 1971 General Plan
Review.
Col. Barco stated,withi. reference to Mrs. Sitney's remark, that an unbiased
outside consultantI~Uid be more qualified t~an he to prepare a comprehensive
list of potential sites.
At 9:55 P.M. Mayor Robbins called for a recess. The meeting reconvened at
10:15 P.M. The discussion continued on the matter of the General Plan
Review.
ThorouShfares. With respect to this item, Councilman Bridges suggested
that the Chamber of Con~nerce be involved in the proposed study of Village
parking and traffic.
Councilman Smith suggested that the last sentence should read: This study
should also include 6th Street, St. Charles Street and Oak Street and other
possible methods of easing the traffic problem in the Village area.
Referring to the recormnendation that Fruitvale remain a two-lane thoroughfare
south of San MarcosRoad, Mayor Robbins stated that the Planning Committee had
recommended that the staff be directed to draw up a four lane plan. The City
Attorney had stated that if the Council adopts the General Plan now showing
Fruitvale as a t~o-lane thoroughfare and later adopts a 4 lane plan line, the
plan line would modify the General Plan. Mayor Robbins' feeling was that
we didn~ want to black top anymore than necessary, but we should be prepared
for the possible need for four lanes.
Mr. Smithfs only concern was that {n the event it was necessary to go to four
lanes that the City would have theability to put the road in and receive the
dedications.
John Hallman, a resident of Fruitvale Avenue asked whether the recent plan
to provide a walkway along Fruitvale Avenue would in any way prejudice
the plan line for a four lane roadway.
The City Manager replied tha~ the walkway is ,provided for pedestrian traffic.
It is asphaltic concrete so when additional construction takes place it can
be moved to a permanent location.
Parks~ Trails and Pathways. Mr. Smith stated that in light of the direction
given to the Planning Commission he would not want to approve this recommendation
with regard to the park.
Planning Director Walker noted that the greater majority of the Planning
Con~nission adopted this report on this particular item on the basis that
they felt this was a more appropriate central park location. However, Dr.
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SARATOGA CITY COUNCIL MINUTES - SEPTEMBER 16, 1970 - CONTINUED
Norton had voted against the General ~l~n Report only on the basis that he
differed with the Planning Conmission.on this particular item and he wanted
to make sure that the Council was aware of that. It was the consensus of the
Council that they were not willing to accept this part of the report.
Mayor Robbins continued the hearing on the General Plan to October 7 and
referred the matter to the Planning Committee.
Because there were a number of interested citizens in attendance with reference
to the John Gorman Day Care Home, Mayor Robbins asked the iqo~Ci~'s indulgence
to place the matter next on the Agenda.
Planning D~rector'Walker read his report to the City Council with respect to
the John Gorman Day Care Home operationL. and complaints. He recommended that
the Plar~ningDepartment~ insure with the assistance of the City Attorney that
Mr. Gorman comply with the Zoning 'Ordinance especially as to the number of
children being cared for at one time..
Mrs. Alice Rawak, President of the BrOokview Homeowners Associationjand a
resident of Wo~d~ide Court addressed the Council. She stated that Mr. Gorman
had been a?thorn i~ the side" of the~neighbors for months, if not years. She
stated that he was advertising before he had applied for a Use Permit last
spring. When he encountered unanimous opposition from the Brookview Homeowners
Association, he dropped his.applicati6n for a Use Permit and continued to operate
a nursery school.
In regard tO a question from Councilman Smith with regard to the traffic in the
area, Mr. Marvin Steinberg, 19129 Brookview Drive stated that he resented~the
fact that the residents had found it necessary to bring this matter t'o the City
Council's attention. He stated that he had been a resident for 4~ years and
had purchased his home with the understanding that there was to be no Commercial
development. He stated that at one time Mr. Gorman had a printing press and also
rented out rooms. However, the'neighbors had not complained at the time. When
it came to theiF attention that he planned to add two rooms, a dark room and a
large play room, two of the neighbors asked him if he intended to use these for
commercial purposes and he assured them it w~s for his own family. At the
Planning ConmiSsion meeting for the Use Permit there were 100 people ready to
oppose the application and he withdrew it. In July, he. begn this operation and
had received a license f~om the County Welfare Department to care for three or
four children. There have be~n as many as twenty cars at the house daily.
Mr. Steinberg felt there was a matter of principle and that this man was
violating his County license and the City ordinance. He said that the
neighbors.resented having 'to play det'ective. However, they had noted the
following activity during a one day period: At 7:00 a.m. a baby, at 7:30 a.m.
a four year old, 8:00, 8:10, 8:30, 8:35 and 9:00 more children until there
were six or seven children by 9:00 a.~. During the afternoon, one arrived at
3:30, another at 4:30 and somehow by 5:30 there were two youngsters picked up
who apparently arrived after S~hool. Today, there were ten or eleven children.
The residents at this point were asking what action the authorities could take
and whether the law enforcement officers should be involved.
In response to a question fromMayor .Robbins as to what kind of case the neighbors
would have to make, the City Attorney stated that Mr. Gorman had called his office
complaining about harrassment on the'part of the City and some of his neighbors.
It was his understanding that the County is now going to investigate and will
revoke his license if h~ is in violation. The City Attorney would require
three or four people who would be willing to testify before he would be able to
take any action. Mr. Gorman had told Mr. Johnston that he never bad any more
than four children, plus his own, which was in keeping with his license.
Mr. Steinberg stated that there were people in the neighborhood who would be
willing to sit outside and take down zlicense numbers and who are also willing
to testify. He noted that the residents had brought the matter to the attention
of the County three weeks ago.
At this point there was some discussion as to the desirability of the City
hiring a Zoning Enforcement Officer.
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SARATOGA CITY COUNCIL MINUTES - SEPTEMBER 16, 1970 - CONTINUED
The City Attorney felt that basically the proglem is that a Day Care Nursery is
permitted in an R-1 Zone with a Use Permit. This covers five or more children and
Mr. Gorman knows this which is why he originally applied. For less than five children,
he is entitled to operate as a home occupation. Mr. GOrman is well aware of the law.
For a violation he could be arrested and charged with a criminal offense of violating
the Zoning Or~c~inance or we could get a civil injunction. Mr. Johnston had pointed out
to Mr. Gorman that if he were convicted he would probably lose his County license.
The Mayor directed the staff and the City AttOrney to pursue this matter with all possible
diligence in order to get the matter settled.
D. C-132 TIRE SERVICE COMPANY, PROSPECT ROAD - REquest for Change of Zoning from "R-i,10,O00"
(Single-Family Residential) to C-N (Nei~hborhood~Commercial).
Mr. Huff reported that this application for re-zoning came to the Council with a recom-
mendation from the Planning Commission that it be approved and this is the time and
place set for the Public Hearing. This is a request for re-zoning of a portion of the
property owned by Saratoga Avenue Baptist Church which fronts on Prospect Road. The
General Plan calls for neighborhood commercial zoning.
Mayor Robbins opened the Public Hearing at lli00 P.M.
Mr. Naugle wondered whether this left any R-lizoning in that strip, and suggested that
if this were approved, it would be more feasible to re-zone the entire area.
Mayor Robbins thanked Mr. Naugle for his suggestion and it was moved by Mr.Sanders,
seconded by Mr. Dwyer to close the Public Hearing. Public Hearing closed at 11:03 P.M.
Without objection, Mayor Robbins introduced Ordinance NS-3-ZC-53. Moved by Mr. Sanders,
seconded by Mr. Dwyer that the reading be waived; carried unanimously.
VI. CITY MANAGER
1. Letter from Mr. and Mrs. Knapp referring to the proposed subdivision of the
property on Arroyo de Arguello by Saratoga Foothill Development Company asking
that the City Council hold off on Final approval until the Planning Committee
of the Council has had a chan~e to consider the Knapp request for review and
possible modification of the map. The tentative map has been approved by the
Planning Commission on August 24. The Council has no authority to make changes
in the conditions of tentative map approval but the Council can permit changes
if they are agreed to by the dev~I~p~r. The Planning Commission determines the
conditions that are to be a~plied=and-the Council's only function is to determine
at the time of application for. Final Map Approval that the conditions have
been met. The Committee could review this with the Knapps and determine if
the developers would be willing to make modifications if such are desired after
considering all the facts.
Mr. Ron Knapp, a resident of Wardell'Road.se~tedsh~' couldnfore~ee problems in
providing dual access to the property behind this development. There is no
plan for this development at the present time but he is concerned and would
like a chance to meet with the Planning Connnittee and review this problem.
Without objection, referred to Planning Committee to meet with the staff, the
Knapps and perhaps the developer.
VII. WRITTEN COMMUNICATIONS
1. Letter from Vince Garrod with regardto his earlier request to place a portion
of his ranch in Saratoga in an Agricultural Preserve under the Williamson Act.
Mr. Huff had told him that the Planning Department is preparing the required
report to the City Council and the City Attorney is drawing up the lesolution
so it will be ready by October 7. The staff is moving ahead with this and no
action is require~ by the Council.
2. Letter from R.V. Fagan, concer.ning noise andI7indicating a desire to have
action taken to control the noise level. City Manager Huff reported that he
is conferring with the City Attorney on this type of problem.
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.... ~f~R~TOGA CITY COUNCIL MINUTE~EPTEMBER 16, 1970
Mr. Johnston stated that the Los Gates'Chief of Police had said it was purely a matter
of law enforcement. There are provisions in the Vehicle Code for motorcycles, the same
as there are for automobiles.
Without objection, the matter was referred to the staff and the Public Welfare Committee
for continued action and direction.
3. Petition from residents of the Pike Road, Saratoga Hills Road, Pierce Road and Via
Regina areas requesting construction of a pathway between Pierce Road and Reid Lane
along Pike Road and Saratoga Hills Road. Without objection, referred to the Planning
Committee. Mr. Bieber was present to represent the petitioners.
4. Letter from Rev. Dillion appealing the de~ision of the Saratoga Planning Commission
on the Use Permit application by St. Patricks' fathers. City Manager Huff had advised
father Dillion's secretary that the letter was not in proper form. Mayor directed the
City Manager to inform Rev. Dillion by letter.
5. Letter from Congressman Gubser encloslng copy of information he received from the
Postmaster General in regard to the Saratoga Postmark.
6. Letter from VFW requesting that the VFW be given 1 and in Wildwood park on which to
erect a Veterans Memorial Building and suggesting that in return they would develop
and maintain the park. Without objection, referred to the Parks and Recreation Com-
mission.
ORAL
1. Mrs. Knapp asked the status of the Saratoga postmark and Mayor Robbins advised that
there will be a separate slot in the Saratoga Post Office for Saratogans wanting the
Saratoga post mark.
2. Jim Naugle voiced his objections with regard to C-132 on behalf of the Prospect
Road Beautification Committee. They were asked to be notified of the meeting with
the Design Review, the sub committee of the Planning Commission so they could provide
some information. 'They were vitally interested in the item. He asked the procedures
for appealing the decision on design review.
Mr. Walker stated that an appeal could be made within ten days after approval by the
Planning Commission. Mayor Robbins suggested that Mr. Naugle contact the Planning
Director for details.
Mr. Naugle stated that the group's main complaint was inability to meet with with the
design review committee. They felt the Architectural Advisory Committee should have
been involved in this decision also.
3. Mr. Smith stated that the Los Gates Saratoga Times Observer was coming out with a
progress ledition within the next week or .so. They wanted the City to take an add in
the progress edition at a cost of $292.00. City Manager Huff stated that this is the
first time they have asked the city to purchase an add of this type and he recommended
against this expenditure.
4. Councilman Sanders stated that he had attended the organizational meeting of the
Saratoga Public Transportation Committee. ALthough there were several people in
attendance Mr.~n~d~was disappointed by the lack of understanding of the issue. He
stated that there is a practical problem of raising money and he would solicit organ-
izations such as the League of Women Voters, Chamber of Commerce, and service clubs
to help raise Saratoga's share of the required campaign funds.
ADJOURNMENT
Mayor Robbins acknowledgedI the presence of Planning Commissioners Lively, Cri~p, Smith
and Martin, MrS. Marshall and Mrs. Wilberding from the Good Government Group and Mrs.
Slade from the League of Women Voters.
The Meeting adjourned to executive session at 11:30 P.M. to discuss the proposal of
negotiations with the City Attorney.
At 11:50 P.M. the Council reconvened in open meeting and adjourned.
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