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HomeMy WebLinkAbout06-19-1974 City Council Minutes MINUTES : SARATOGA CITY COUNCIL TIME: Wednesday, June 19, 1974 ~. 7:30 p.m. = PLACE: Saratoga City Council Chambers, 13777'Fruitvale Ave., Saratoga, California TYPE: Regular Meeting A. ROLL CALL Absent: Councilman Diridon B. MINUTES It was moved by Councilman Bridges and seconded by Councilman Kraus that the minutes of Ju~nel5',. 1914 be approved. The motion was carried. C. SPECIAL PRESENTATION: SUPERVISOR MC CORQUODALE RE: RESTORATION OF RAILWAY SERVICE TO SANTA CRUZ AND SANTA CLARA COUNTIES The Mayor introduced Mr. Dan McCorquodale to the members of the Council and interested citizens present. Mr. McCorquodale gave a history leadi.ng to -the proposal submitted to the Council relative to an alternate to H~ghway 17. Mr. McCorquodale' initiated the project using!information compiled by a Lockheed personnel, interested citizens and a Southern Pacific engineer. Th'ere will be a meeting with Southern Pacific on June 20, 1974 regarding a study they have been making. Mr. Mc Corquodale mentioned that, in resuming the f~e. asibil_ity studies of the old "Suntan Special" they felt the need for a new name. To this end, the study group became known ~s the committee to "Rey_ive _A_lternative Intercounty Lines'I, which is commonly called* "R.A.I.L." Mr. McCorquodale emphasized that this.proposal does not take precedence over a good transit system for Santa Clara County. A major portion of the present traffic over Highway 17 is destined directly to the Santa Cruz Boardwalk and beach areas. He noted that on four separate occasions traffic was at a dead stop (lasting for about one hour each time) due to heavy conjestion. He also noted that approximately 5,000 commuters travel this highway each day. He is asking the City Councils to go on record and endorse the concept of railway service to Santa Cruz as an alternative to a new transit system. It is proposed that the service start in Monterey, connect with a change of trains in San Jose, continue to Oakland and connect with Am[fak'; ~'~ It could be done immediately without disrupting people and at a low cost. The equipment is currently available "off-the shelf". Mr. McCorquodale gave a brief explanation of the vehicle pictured on the brochure given to the Council p~embers and further stated that the cost of this plan would run approxim~_ely $50 million as opposed to a free- way system costing approximately $350:mi~_l.igp Mayor Smith related to Mr. McCorquodale some negative coments he had received relative to the grade at Lexington. Mr. McCorquodale stated that an engineer had studied this grade and indicated that. it is possible and has illustrated same on a graph. Councilman Bridges stated that Saratoga now has a Southern Pacific right of way through the city. Would this be a possible addition to this link? ~ ~, Mr. McCorquodate that the committee will be .g Southern Pacific for an analysis and a report on all existing right-of-ways they now have in use or owned by Southern Pacific and if there are any plans for future use. Councilman Kraus asked Mr. McCorquodale if this system would run parallel to Highway 17. Mr. McCorquodale replied that it will run almost parallel to Highway 17, but also has three possibilities. They are: (1) the existing plan which runs just north of Highway 17 at Felton, (2) slightly south of Highway 17 and, (3) considerably south to the Aptos Creek area. The last possibility being the least expensive. However, for a number of considerations, politically and otherwise, as far as the ease of moving people, they should use as much of the old right-of-way as possible. By doing this, a total of three people w~ll be~displaced, "Mayor Smith asked who owns most of'the right-of-ways now. Mr. McCorquodale. stated that most of the right-of-ways.are owned by the San Jose Water Works and some private parties who purchased the land on tax sales and it has no more value to them except as land which they would be willing to sell at a profit. Councilman Bridges asked if the problem of the tunnels had been worked out. That is, had they been sealed off or were they still'being used as storage. Mr. McCorquodale replied that one of them is being used as a storage place for microfilm records and would not be a problem as far as finding another storage place. Another is sealed off at both ends and!~.used~.as a water storage area representing about a mile and a half link; the remaining one was.blown up during WWII to prevent a Japanese invasion of Sant~'Cl~ ~oun6y. This one would have to be rebuilt. There is come concern regarding the earthquake fault and will be studied. If the tunnels were not to be used, the more southernly possibility would have to be considered. Councilman Brigha asked Mr. McCorquo~ale how much traffic will be taken out from Big Basin Way by.the rail syS_~m. Mr. McCorquodale replied that he did not know exactly but it is proposed that out of th~ 5,000 people using the highways, 3-4,000 would be commuters and, on the weekends they hope to carry 30% of the traffic to the Santa Cruz Boardwalk areas. Mr. McCorquodale thanked the Council ~or the opportunity to speak and noted that his committee will be sending more information and a resolution to the Council. II. BIDS AND CONTRACTS A. BROOKGLEN PARK The City Manager indicated that he has received bids. Parks and Recreation reviewed Monday night and has met wit.h the architect who will be revising preliminary cost estimates to fit into our parameters. Asked for a one m~eting. I continuance. As there were no objections, Mayor Smfth s~ 'ordered. B. DONALD J. SHOOTER - LANDSCAPE MAINTENANCE CONTRACT (Revised) The City Manager stated, for the record, that we have a contract with Mr. Shooter for the maintenance of a number of streets, primarily Saratoga Avenue, Blape~' Avenue, portions of Highway 85, etc. He would like to recommend renewal for one year at a 5% increase. Some problems have arisen, however, Mr. Shooter has purchased new equipment and is correcting these areas. Councilman Kraus asked the City Manager who is the landscape specialist mentioned in the documents. The City Manager replied that he is a member of his staff. Councilman Kraus moved that the contract be extended. Motion seconded by Councilman Bridges. Motion carried.' C. KAISER FOUNDATION SERVICE AGREEMENT The City Manager indicated that there is a rate increase of 1.6%. However, new and additional benefits have been ~xtended with this rate increase. It is reconm%ended that the new plan be adopted in order to maintain the coverage now in effect. Councilman Bridges::. moved and Councilman Brigham seconded that the m6dified Kaiser Foundation Health Plan be a~p~oy~d. Motion carried. III. PETITIONS, 0RDANANCES AND FORMAL RESOLUTIONS A. RESOLUTION NO. 699 and, B. RESOLUTION NO. 700 (taken jointly) The City Manager stated that both of these resolutions provide for an increase in revenue, They are also presented in conjunction with the Proposed 1974- 1975 Budget. It is recormnended to adopt these to balance the budget by raising current fees on these items. The fees have not been adjusted for some time and the costs of administration have gone up. He gave a brief outline of the length of time these fees have remained at the current level including Civic Center rental fees since 1969, Construction permits since early 1963, Grading, 1969 and Plumbing, 1970. Even though, in some cases, it seems like a great increase, it has been some time since some of these have been modified and it is recormnended that these be adjusted to reflect costs of doing business~ in this area. He has submitted a breakdown of these increases and noted that the major sources of revenue would be from permit fees on building construction. Councilman Kraus" A~k~ifu~H~v~hdiV~s~oh t6t~hwit~rBe ?pe~ i~t n6~ ~e~ acre The City Manager stated that in the case of variances, a public hearing~i~required to be held and part of the fee would provide these hearings. A question was asked regarding Planned Unit\~velopment costs. Would the City realize enough from the Change of Mayor Smith noted that this was not a public hearing but asked if there are any comments on the two resolutions from the floor. Mr.j6~n~tOh, C~l~e~pointed out that the Change of Flanned Unit Development~fe~ucolumns are not intended one to add to the other but someone has set up a column for a type of re-zoning.~ Councilman Kraus motioned and Councilman Bridges seconded that the Resolution No. 699 Altering and Establishing Fees for Building, Plumbing, Heating, Comfort Cooling, Electrical, Plan Checking and Grading Permits be adopted. Motion carried. Councilman Kraus ~o~ed~d. and Councilman Brigham seconded that the Resolution No. 700 Altering and Establishing F~e Schedule for Use Permits, Design Review, Variance, Building Site Approval, etc., be adopted. Motion carried. C. RESOLUTION NO. 701 - Resolution Changing Street Name of Campus Court to E1 Dorado Court. It was moved by Councilman Brigham and seconded by Councilman Bridges that Resolution No. 701 be adopted. The motion was carried. ~ Mr. Johns~6n als0 ~sked 'that the m~nutes show. t~at .by the'-adoption of this 're~olu~o~ ~ ~ity is in~ho WH~ ~aki~g~ th~s.~ivate street a publi~ street. M~yo~ Smith so moved. .~ . . -3- D. RESOLUTION NO. 702 - Requesting the California Highway Commission to Approve a Proposed Public Street within a Future Freeway Right-of-Way. The City Manager stated that this re~olution was requested by the subdivision developer based upon a letter they received from the State Division of Highways indicating that they would need thislresolution passed by the City Council. Councilman Bridges moved and Council~an/Bri~im )seconded thai this resolution be adopted. Councilman Kraus voted no. The motion was carried. E. ORDINANCE NO. 38.50 Ordinance of the City of Saratoga Amending'Ehapter 9 of the Saratoga City Code Providing for Tow-Away Zones. Mayor Smith clarified the ordinance ~s enabling the City to designat~ ~ity tow-away zones to be adopted by a later City Council meeting. It is not a designation, but gives the Ci~y_~e authority to so designate at a later The City Manager '.f~dlca~ed~AOp~e~ ~ ~ ~S' no ~L al 1~' U~'-YtO:~h~ ~'~n~ , ': ' '-' ' . .....-,: ' Councilman Bridgesr~6Q~d~':~. and Councilman Kraus seconded that the ordinance be so introduced an~tfi~ ~ading be waived. Motion carried. F. ORDINANCE NO. 38.51 Ordinance of the City of Saratoga Amending Article V of Chapter 4 of the Saratoga City Code, Relating to Business Licenses. The City Manager indicated that t~is is another item related to the Proposed 1974-75 budget. It has been under study at the staff level for about one year. The present Business licenses have been issued on a life-time basis and that one-time fee is $25.00. It is proposed that this be ended and the fee be based upon different levels of business. The basic level, Commercial Services be $25.00, Manufacturing - $35.00 , Professional and Se~Professional - $4~.00 and these fees would be on an annual 'basis. The proposal is to introduce this ordinance and set it up for a public hearing in 30 days,':~HelfurLher'.stated"that 'h(~d~reLeiv~d ~h~e~terRf~m::~hecPresident of the Chamber of Commer6e, indicating that they would like to have a chanc~ to review ~nd discuss it with the staff. Mr. Beyer, City Manager, further asked that the ordinance be worded so that it would take effect as of January 1, 1975 on a calendar basis in order to work out any'problems that mig'IFf'r~S~t-~nd to be able to hoid any necessary public hearings prior to adoption. CoUncilman Kraus moved ~nd Councilman Brigham seconded that the ordinance be introduced for public hearing the second week in July and the reading be waived. Motion carried. G. PETITION F~OM RESIDENTS OF ASCENSION DRIVE'REQUESTING THE CITY OF SARATOGA TO POST "NO PARKING" SIGNS ON BOTH SIDES OF ~SCENSION DRIVE DURING MASS PERIOD. The City Manager noted that a petitio'n has been received from the citizens living on Ascension Drive and a letter from Mr. Frank Perdichizzi, President of the Prid~ Crossing Homeowners Association requesting the no parking signs. Mr. Beyer recormnended that this be referred to the Department of Public Works for study and a report be sent back to the City Council in 30-60 days. -Before taking action,' Mayor Smith asked if there was anyone from Pride~ Crossing at the meeting:wishing to address the. Council. -4- Mr. Popylisen, resident of Ascension Drive and Vice President of the Homeowners' Association came forward to address the Council. Mr. Popylisen stated that, for a goo~ many years they have been trying to getp~f~hiCne~s to stay off Ascension Drive. The problem has gotten worse, the ~raffi[ {s more conjested and private driveways are used for turn-arounds. Guests of Ascension Drive homeowners!must park around the corner and walk to their destinations. Mr. Huff of Miller Avenue also addressed the Council stating that this problem has been around for 5 or 6 years, and he sees no reason for delay. He is aware that various members of the CityCouncil have seen the problem first- hand. If the ChurCh has adequate parking, off-street parking, they should have no objection to'no parking on their side of the street. But they don't, they have a problem~+they are in violation of a City ordinance. Either way, they are wrong. Parking should be eliminated on both sides of the street since the citizens have requested itand it is in the best interests of every- one. It was also stated, from the floor, that many other residents on Ascension Drive were going to be present at this meeting prior to the issuance of the letter from the Homeowners' Association to the Council. Councilman Kraus wondered if the new facility going in would be meeting on Saturday mornings. (Synagogue).' DisCussion followed between the Council and the floor regarding the feasibility of no-parking signs regulating parking on both Saturday and Sunday covering both synagogue and mass hours. Mayor Smith suggested that a report be made and submitted in two weeks or representatives of both the synagogue and the church be contacted and the matter be scheduled for the next scheduled meeting. H. PETITION FROM RESIDENTS OF PRIDE'S CROSSING AREA URGING THAT FOUR-WAY STOP SIGNS BE PLACED AT THE INTERSECTION OF LARCHMONT AVENUE AND NORTHAMPTON DRIVE Mayor Smith read a petition submitted by the residents of Pride's Crossing. It was noted that the pe~l'%o~ cC~n~H~00~gna~u~s.L The City Manager recommended that this matter be referred to the staff for review and early resolution. Mr. Shook stated that the staff has already started a study and met with various residents and is preparing a report. Councilman Brigham indicated that he would like to see a study made. Mayor Smith asked that a study be made by the staff and a report be made back to the Council in one month. Mr. Richards? on Northampton Drive addressed the Council asking that they con- sider Yield signs while studying the feasibility of a 4-way stop sign. He felt that.yield signs would reduce t~e speeding problem on this street. It was also stated, from the floor, that drivers take a corner on Northampton Drive too far to the right of the'centerline, which has caused at least one accident recently. Mr. Shook responded to the request for temporary yield signs by indicating that by the time the yield signs were up, the resolution adopting the 4-way stop signs would probably be passed and there would be a near duplication of effort and added expense to the City to remove the yield sig~s and replace with the 4-way stop signs. Nancy Malone, resident of the northeast corner of Northampton Drive for five years stated that prior to the new homes and park, which has obviously increased our traffic, one thing that was not mentioned in the petition, due to an over- sight is that Northampton is a major feeder street for all the people living on the west side of Scully. These people use Northampton as the only way to get to Miller Avenue, the grocery store, library, etc. Many nights she and her husband are awakened by the screeth of breaks from near misses and would like the Council to give serious consideration to this request. -5- Mr. Peterson of 1976 Northampton Drive asked what would be the alternatives to be taken under consideration, Mr. Shook replied that, (1) traffic control signs, i.e. Yield signs, (2) a 2-way stop sign, or (3) a 4-way stop signs would be the basic three alternatives to be reviewed. Mr. Huff again addressed the Counci~ stating that there is a blind corner on Northampton and you must stop whether. there is a sign or not or risk being hit broadside. Also, whether or not the Director of Public Works agrees, a 4-way stop sign would have an effect on the.speed problems. Councilman Brigham strongly suggested that the 4-way stop sign proposal be given prime consideration. Mr. Richards again asked that there be some interim measures taken while the Council is considering the 4-way stop sign plan. Mayor Smith stated that a two-week period for study is fair. Mayor Smith stated that if the data is ready it could be reported on next week, at Tuesday's meeting. A motion was made by Councilman Brigham, seconded by Councilman Kraus that this matter be continued at Tuesday's. Committee of the Whole meeting. Motion carried. I. PROPOSED DEMONSTRATION BICYCLE ROUTE SYSTEM Mayor Smith noted that this was to be adopted by Minute Resolution and put into the system. The City Manager reported that on May 15th a program was finalized~ after several months of consideration. A negative declaration was filed and an appeal has been made. The total cost will be $50,250 and this has been budgeted in the Proposed 1974-75 Budget. Also, a petition has been received from the students of West. Valley College regarding the route planned on Fruitvale Avenue between Saratoga and Allendale Avenues. They feel it x.~uld be more desirable to have a bike path separate from motor vehicle traffic. Mr. Huff stated that a minority of the conunittee that reviewed the matter was in favor of a bike path on that section rather than a bike lane. Councilman Brigham moved and Councilman Bridges seconded to adopt, by Minute Resolution,.the adoption of the Demonstration Bicycle Route System. IV. SUBDIVISIONS, BUILDING SITES AND ZONING REQUESTS A. TRACT 5023 GEORGE W. LAMPROS, HUME DRIVE AND ROBIN WAY B. TRACT 4825 SARATOGA FOOTHILLS, GLASGOW AND MIL3EVICH DRIVES C. SDR-1087 ASSURANCE CO., WARDELL ROAD - 3 LOTS D. SDR-1084 GUTHRIE SWARTZ, PIKE ROAD - 1 LOT The City Manager's only comment was addressed to SDR-1084, stating that the contractor should be congratulated for the x~ork done on the ro~d construction, which was b~yond that required by the bond. 'Since there was no comment or action necessary on these items, Councilman Bridges moved and Councilman Kraus seconded that these be approved and entered separately. Motion carried. V. PUBLIC HEARINGS A. GERALD D. BUTLER, WALNUT AVENUE (Coni'd from 6/5/74) An Appeal of the Planning CommiSsion IDecision to Deny the Application of Gerald D. Butler for Tentative May Approval on a 6-Lot SubdiVision on Walnut Avenue. Mayor Smith cormnented that a public hearing was held on June 5, 1974 and at that time there was much discussion about the site. Some of the members of the Council wanted cormnents from the Flood Control .~Di~t~i~ct='~ndI ~'~ted to see the site and have done so..~T~re. were several questions relative to the terrain, access by emergency vehi~cles and entry to Walnut Avenue from the subdivision. He then asked for any comments from the staff. The City Manager called attention to three items of correspondance in their packets. These were received from r~sidents of Walnut Avenue. Mayor Smith moved that these letters to become part of the record, indicating opposition and/or concern regarding this application. He then asked for any comment from the developer at this time. Mr. Gene Fink, representing the develloper, addressed the Council. He stated that they did meet with the represent. atives of the City Council and members of the homeowners in the area last weekend. At that time they discussed the proposed improvements in problem areas such as the creek bed area and traffic. After the meeting, the developer felt that most of the problems had been ta~en~care of or discussed with the residents of the area. And, after discussions with Mr. Shook, they felt that most of the residents felt their safety factor~ would be ~epresented by the Department of Public Works~?as far as any new streets were concerned and that there' would be no new deep incline which amounts to a problem of traffic hazard. Directing the Mayor's attention to the map on the board behind the Council, he stated that there was a counter- proposal at that time for a two-step wall to be built up with the existing rock native to the area, and perhaps some landscaping between that area to make it more attractive, therefore eliminating the rip-rap that would be more objectionable. They feel the six lots proposed is fairly minimal for the area and that it is not going to cause a great deal of traffic hazard in the area particularly in light of conforming to codes and supervision to obtain site approval. They feel their proposal is going to enhance the area and not degrade it whatsoever. Most of the trees will be kept,.in fact all of them will be utilized. After the weekend meeting, they felt that the home- owners had no objections to be raised and most of the objections had been answered. Further, there was nothing in the proposal that would cause damage to the property of any homeowner. It is their understanding that the ~uestions regarding the wall would be discussed with the Flood Control Di~'tri~t~ ~and that the new proposal was the best so'lution.to improving the c~k'B~d.' Mayor S~ith called for Mr. Burn~from the County Flood Control, to step forward and answer some quest ions for the Council. Mayor Smith asked Mr. Burns what the ramifications would be if walling work was done on one side of the creek without it being done on the other side and what would be the effect downstream~if it were done on both sides. Has the Department done a substantial study of these ramifications? Mr. Burns replied that,. yes they have. studied the wall as proposed and it will change the velocity of the creek flow only at the up-stream area. This would be a p because it would eliminate the necessity to clean out the gravel "lus" bar created by the stream velocity increasing at the narrow passageway, moving a considerable amount of gravel and depositing it downstream at the wide area; thus creating a gravel bar. Mr. Burns also noted several unprotected slopes along the creek, including those on the Peck property. -7- Mayor Smith asked Mr. Burns if the District was happy with the "figure S" configuration proposed. And wasntt there an attempt, some time ago, to straighten out this curve~' Mr. Burns stated that several years ago they did look at that possibility however, the C~ty objected to this and requested that the creeks be'kept as natural as possible.' Mayor Smith pointed out several areas~on the map, asking if they had been built up by fill. Also, he questioned a wide area and asked if it was caused by the stream moving around the bend at a high velocity. Mr. Burns answered .that it definitely could have been. Councilman KraUs asked Mr. Burns if the Flood Control District has accepted the proposed design. Mr. Burns indicated that they .~hec~d~e~d~gn~-by_drolo~ica!ly~ut-have not seen a design for the wall and reserve comment on tha[L Re alsatian{cared need for small trees and shrubs on th~ lower banks. Mr. Shook stated that he had received. a question from one of the homeowners in the area regarding bank protection.&t the lower end. The City Manager understood that the concern was not to put the wall in for the whole distance of the creek bed, but only. where it was pecessary. Mr. Burns stated that a considerable portion of the creek is unstable,. ~u~ this did not include the Peck prqper~y which is in good condition. Mayor Smfth the~ asked f6r ~ny comments from'the property'ownerS'in th~ ~rea. Mr. Mechanic of 20410 Walnut Avenue stated that he is one of the people objecting to the development and further, he did not attend or know that a meeting had taken place on Saturday and that he still objects to the development. ~M~r~ Rut~wen~a~i~to~lPt~e',~fi~d~dc~attsheddidanoth~lly agree ~h~[ Ith~ surmnary given by the developer's representative reflected the feelings of the homeowners. They are still concerned about the traffic problems, the wild life and the creek. She furthers stated that the homes proposed would be sold to people with teenage children who would be driving in and out of the cul-de-sac, causing conjestion. She further questioned the statement that the hill would not be too steep. Driving up that grade into the narrow street full of children, cats and dogs is of real concern. Since they have managed to get the development down from 12 houses to 6, she doesn't see why it can't be lowered to 3 houses. Rosealee Mechanic stated that she was. not contacted and knows of several others who were not contacted regarding thei~ wishes. She has also written a letter to the Council regarding her objections which are the same as many of the other homeowners relative to traffic which she feels is "the" issue. She pointed out that the Barrett home is directly oppgsite the egress as they come up the hill and will be the first house to be run~ into to avoid hitting a.child. She also fears tee~agers "flying"ldown the road and creating a potentially dangerous accessway. She also asked the Council to read a letter written by Mary Wagner, who is out of town, which. expresses many of the homeowner's feelings in one letter. It really do~s sum up all their feelings. Mayor Smith read the letter at this time. It has been entered as part of the written communications to the CouncilZ. It basically expresses her concern for the natural beauty of the creekside, 'the wildlife and the potential traffic problems. -8- A motion was made by Councilman Bridges and seconded by Councilman Kraus to ~f6se_[~e public hearing at 9:15 p.m~ Motion carried. Mayor Smith expressed his own feelings on the proposal. Though his feelings were different on the~matter, they reach the same conclusion. He feels the area is too small for'six lots. Also, it would have the effect of closing access from the street to the Peck property'. The City will have to be careful that traffic controls are installed from the beginning. However, the City cannot totally restrict development of this area. .There must be a better plan and he believes this i~ not it. Under these circumstances, he would move for vote for denial. Councilman Bridges concurs with the Mayor and the things that bothered him were stated as being the creation of a non-conforming lot, the shapp__of Lot #1, the ramifications to the Peck property~di[h~ls~a~p 7~gl~ at ~t~e entrance. The putting 'of six houses upon the properly does~O~e [han' disrupt the area and adds nothing.~=_~y~-~.~I~ Councilman Brigham expressed ~oncern'over environmental problems near the creek. Councilman Kraus expressed several concerns. One being the amount of fill being put into Lot ~3 and second, the creation of a variance on Lot ~1. He did, however, agree with the wall along the creek. He also stated that the road grade had to be changed and would like to see less lots proposed. Councilman Bridges moved and Councilman Kraus seconded that'the appeal be denied. Both the motion and the second were ~oted to have been done without prejudice. Motion carried. B. CONSIDERATION OF 1974-75 ~PROPOSED ANNUAL' BUDGET Mayor Smith noted tha[l~Y~~h[ihUa~ion~Ya~discussion at the Committee of the Whole eet ng. . ~_~ ....... ~-~'-- The City Manager stated that the budget was presented two weeks ago and at ~he Committee of the~Whole meetipg last week. At this time he would'like to summarize the budget message. Mr. Beyer read the presentation letter and copies of the proposed budget were passed to those attending. It is a status-quoebudget With virtually no new programs presented, despite the salary adjustments and rapid rate~of_inflation this past year. It is revenue are expected to decrease som~ $51,000 or 2.9% over anticipated revenues received over the fiscal 1973-1974. However, some $11,000 will be realized through the public employment ~ogra~. A negative note to this is that the Sheriff's contract will use up this sum. Gas tax revenues have declined as well as permit fees. However, the changes in the permit fee assessments as outlined earlier will apply here. There was a 13.1% or $185,00increase in the cost of doing business and the cost of supplies and materials over the last fiscal year. ~wo new positions are recommended. The first is a full-time custodian which actually replaces the le~uf+7.~nt parttime hours allocated to this function and the second position iSlin the area of the implementation and maintenance of the bicycle program. Two position in the Administration Department are proposed for upgrading. They // are~:.Administrative Assistant upgraded to Assistant to the ~ity Manager and /- ~ ecretary ~pg~a~'=~'_-~p~TCi~yClerk. the S F The City Attorney'b budget has been increased to reflect the need for increased involvement by the City Attorney in the on-going affairs of the City. It is proposed that he attend all regular Planning Commission meetings and provide more hours per week in staff time to the City than has been the case in the past. -9- Department operating expenses are generally up about 8% over 1973-74. This is due to the increased costs oflgoods and services purchased this year, mostly in the area of fertilizer, which has increased 30%, and g~oline which has increased some 82%? tires from 10% to 24%, asphalt ~;6%. The Planning Department bddget provides for funds for additional consultant assistance which might be called upon in the implementation of the various General Plan action programs. This would include the up-dating of the zoning and subdivision o~dinances and some other work that has been discussed. The increases reflected in the Community Services Department are attributed to a full year of maintenance for recently completed parks as well as a partial year of maintenance for Brookglen Park and the Saratoga-Sunnyvale Road median. A capital item is a Turf Spreader which willeliminate the need for many manhours spraying and provide for a savings in fertilizing the various park sites. The Youth Center, while reflecting an increased budget, reflects a decrease of 7% in funds directly provided by the City over 1973-74. This is based on the continuing program to have as Bany programs at this center on a pay-as-you-go~baSi§~/ Code Enforcement and police service__st as presented,reflects no increase in service~ However, it does show a 11% increase in the cost of the Sheri'fY's ,CSnf~a~t~..whic~'mu~ be 7~i~ed The Building Department b~ically re~iects the ~urchase of a ~ehicle. At the present time one of the inspectors is using his own car It is too costly and the City should be providing transportation. No increas~ has been ~rovided for the Community Promotion account, however there is a request for $300 from the Saratoga-Los Gatos Symphony. In the Public Works, other than Maintenance Man I the only other major cost is the replacement of a calculator in the Administration and Engineering Division. The only'other being the c~st of materials such as the gas,and asphalt p~io~sly mentioned. Mr. Beyer further emphasized that the' operating budget, as presented, meets only the minimal r'equirements to provide the existing level of service to the residents of Saratoga. It has been put together without the necessity of a change in the existing financial policy, with the exception of increases in those revenue sources mentioned. There has been a number of new programs suggested this past year by the City staff, City Council and the public, but with the exception of the bike way prpgram, there are no new programs reflected in this proposed budget. Mayor Smith asked if there were any questions from the City Council regarding the proposed budget. Councilman Kraus referred to a letter written June 13, 1974 indicating possibility of an increase of service. and an increase in the cost of the Youth Service Bureau and centralization of the services offered. The City Manager replied that at the Committee of the Whole meeting two conceptual programs were discussed b~ the City Council. One being the potential of an increased Sheriff's'patrol in the area of crime prevention or traffic control. That cost is included within the additional $38,000, which is not currently funded in the proposed budget. The other alternative which was discussed and presented in a follow-up memo of June 19th~ to the Council, was the concept of a crime prevention program in more de[all than the one of a couple of years ago working with the Sheriff's Department and the neighborhoods in a burglary program and other things of this type. He felt that in order to have a good programLand cooperation with homeowners' assoc- iations, Sheriff's Department and theI news media, our current budget l~!lptmen[~ would not be able to handle it. -16- The City Manager also added that in the program part of the proposed budget for the Demonstration Bicycle program there are some funds provided for an educational program as opposed to b~i~g operated through the Santa Clara County Safety program. If this does not materialize, this person can assist in this regard. As indicated in the June 19th memo, the total cost would be approximately $17,000 and would provide an alternative cheaper than adding another deputy strictly for patrol. He suggested that the City Council allocate these funds to the budget and allow him further time to provide a more detailed program proposal. The City Manager spoke further on the Youth Services Bureau stating that the cities of Los Gatos, Monte Sereno,(who have already adopted this program), would work together with Saratoga on a_3-city basis, with Saratoga providing. the facilities and maintenance for the program. He then restated that funds for the programs outlined are not in the proposed budget and asked that they be. Mayor Smith asked for additional questions from the Council. Councilman Bridges addressed a questign to the City Manager regarding Plan Checking on hillsides. He is concerned that the City is passing by a program where things needed to be done in the way of closerinspections. He asked if the possibility of higher fees would help the City get back some of the funds spent in these areas. The City Manager replied thatla Plan Checker for the Building Department_ ~lwas proposed by the Building Official, and not that he w~s against .~ suc~ Rplan~-he was s~rongly~o~fit~rbUfl~fa~srh~s presentation this year, to keep within the existing tax ~ate ~nd financial policies, to support the need for additional plan checking, there would have to be more types of development than is now being done. At the present timel, only comanercial development is done and it is farmed out to an outside engineer. The pro- posal by the Building Official wou~d ~rovide for t~'~Pla~hecker to be funded by a plan check fee hased on a fee of $105 6n a 21'500 sq.ft. home in the single family development area. ~ CounCilman Bridges stated that it wasF not his intent to put such a plan in · the budget but to develop such a program to follow-up on. Mayor Smith asked that the City Manager come back with a proposal in Sept- j~ber or October. This subject has been talked about many times. As the emphasis switches to hillside development, the City should be getting back some of '~s costs. At 10:05 p.m. Mayor Smith opened public hearings on the proposed budget and asked for further te~i~n~f~.~e~i~i~n~'atte~in~ the,7~e~i~g.~ Mr. Kaufmann asked that there be further public hearings so he could do some "homework" on the proposed budget matters. Mayor Smith noted that there had been several meetings and a Committee of the Whole meeting on the budget and he did not know whether the Council would adopt the budget or continue it until the next meeting. Mr. Huff .l~k~th~g~fd~et~e~Ii{~i~he Copncil.w~fd '~& ~d~i~ '[[~7. )~' additional $38,000 to the budget for additional enforcement. He stated that last year he also felt that there was not adequate enforcement services in the city. He was aware of a business closing in Big Basin because of numerous burglaries and that the owner of this business had sent a letter to 500 of his customers stating that this was the reason he was going out of business. He would be in favor of a program where the Sheriff's Department, Code Enfor- cement and homeowners~ associations work together, to help educate the people in protecting themselves. He gave an example of a situation where neighbors should have been looking after each~[~er. -11- Councilman Brigham asked to reply~to'Mr. Huff's statements. He indicated that he is very much &Bn~rn~with law enforcement but felt that $38,000 was too much to add to the budget at this time. He would be in favor of the alternative of adding a Code Enforcement Officerzand developing a community program through- out Saratoga concerned with burglaries, bicycle safety and all these areas; working with the news media and having a coordinated effort throughout the · City. He would be very much in favor of adding the $17,000. The City Manager defended the current law enforcement program by stating that the burglary described happened 15 minutes after two deputies walked past the place on regular foot patrol. Councilman Kraus stated that he was still in favor of putting the $38,000 in the ~6d~et and later on, after the presentation by the City Manager, deciding how ~t will be used. The City Manager replied that the Sheriff can now provide the additional personne~ but due to the County budget hearings~Rdi~on[~c{chang~s~[~~ ~ould be doh~ithin the next 30 days. Councilman Brigham stated that $38,000 is too much now and he would still like to see a community effort throughout Saratoga. Mr. Huff again addressed the Council stating that he had talked to a deputy after a man was hit by a speeding car. He asked the deputy how the speeding laws could be enforced. The deputy replied that speeding cannot be completely controlled because enforcement personnel are not able to cover all the streets. Mr. Huff also called for enforcement of laws pertaining to bicycle riders as well. The major cause of bicycle acqidents is the rider. There must be some education. He would still like to ~ee'the $38,000 put into the budget. The Mayor asked for anyother questions. There were none. The City Manager suggested that this matter be continued to the meeting next week. Councilman Kraus moved and Councilma~ Brigham seconded that this heari~b~ continued until the meeting on Tuesday next. Motion carried. The City Manager also asked the Council to set a public hearing for the Capital Program on July 17th. Councilman Kraus so moved and Councilman Brigham seconded. Motion carried. IV. ADMINISTRATIVE MATTERS A. MAYOR Mayor Smith was plea~ed to nominate Councilman Cole Bridges as representative to the Santa Clara County Transportation Commission. Councilman Kraus so moved and Councilman Brigham seconded. Motion carried. B. FINANCE 1. PaTment of Claims Councilman Bridges moved and Councilman Brigham seconded that Warrant Nos. 19469-19532 be approved. Motion carried. 2. Cit~ Clerk's Financial Report and 3. Cit7 Treasurer's Report Mayor Smith asked the Council if there were any questions on either report. There were none. -12- C. COUNCIL AND COMMISSION REPORTS There were no Council or Commission reports. Mayor Smith advised the Council that he had attended ICC discussions'on charter revisions on inter-governmental bodies. He had testified and gave PPC/ICC venture approval, and felt that it was one of the most challenging subj~c6s taken up. D. DEPARTMENT HEADS AND OFFICERS 1. Public Works - Quito School Traffic Safety Mr. Shook gave a recap of previous meetings. He indicated that the County supported this project and it should be put into the priority system~a~d to begin the system of cooperatiye maintenance, etc. He has reported back to the school and hopefully it was received before the interested 6th graders graduated. He further stated that he did not feel the project should be included in the current proposed budget as it will be fiscal 1975-76 before the facility can be constructed. Mayor Smith asked Mr. Shook if the City of San Jose had asked the school to make improvements before the signal is installed. Mr. Shook replied that the City Of san Jose feels that the improvements' should be made in conjunction with the project. There have been ~o~meetings with the school on this matter. 'The PTA suggested that this be done and the school sell their e~c~s~' land to fund these improvements. Mayor Smith suggested that someone from the department should be actively involved in the matter and we sh6uld be looking for some interim measures now. Councilman Brigham stated that a~ the last meeting they discussed putting this into the budget and it should be included in the 1974-75 budget with a high priority.· We should also let the other cities know we are sincere about this. Mr. Shook stated that because of lthe lead times necessary for cooperative actions and design, the actual e~penditures would not take place in this fiscal period. The City Manager stated that there was no problem putting the money into this budget just in case the matter moves along faster than anticipated. Mayor Smith suggested that the Planning Committee_bring this up again at the July 17th meeting. He further noted that when Saratoga tak~ the l~d in multi-city projects, faster acZtion takes place. 2'. Planning/Public Works - Report on William Paul Walter Tentative Map Approval, SDR-1071 and SDR-1053 The City Manager recap~dby stating a letter was received at the last meeting from Mr. Walter regarding SDR-1053. Specifically, why a bond was not re- quired in that case, but was in his, SDR-1071. The staff researched the matter and found that, 7~hen Mr. Roman6f received site approval~n~'~nn~lwas not required because the Clty was led to believe the improvements were all ready completed. Subsequent inspection found that these improvements were not made. When Mr. Walter applied.for site approval he was required to post a bond. Mr. Walter objected~on the grounds that a bond was not required for Mr. Romanof's site approval. Through a staff error, the current owner, Mr. Senter, is building on the Ro~anof .site, without the necessary bonding, but with site approval. Mayor Smith asked if Mr. Walter was at the meeting. -13- Mr. Walter addressed the Council ~tating that he did not understand why, even if an error was made, he ShoUld have to post a bond and Mr. Senter not have to do so at this date. Also, what leverage can he use through the Council to see that Mr. Sente~ does make the improvements. The City Manager replied that there is no leverage available. First of all it is not a public street but a private road. M~. Johnston, City Attorney, stated that as a condition of tentative approval there was the requiremen~ to put up a bond and improve the street. However, at the Council meeting in 1973, it was represented that this work had been done and the C~uncil approved final site approval and issued a building permit. It is the Council's understanding that the work is going to be done and the Council can ask for the bond at this late date but cannot make the owner put it up. Mr. Walter stated that he was just concerned that Mr. Senter might not complete his portion of the street work to be done. He has spoken with Mr. Senter and they are working something out. Mayor Smith asked if there was any way a check system could be developed to prevent problems of this nature in the future. Mr. Johnston stated that he will be~'i~t~i~g on all Planning Commission meetings in the,I~t~e' and these files will pass before him at that level. The City Manager also indicated other checks on an internal level. 3. Planning/Building - Report on Swirmming Pool Fencin$ Mayor Smith briefly summarized by stating that a petition was received at the May 15th meeting requesting the City to pass an ordinance re- quiring swimming pool fencing. There is no ordinance at this time. A report has been received and he asked that the matter be scheduled for the nex~ Committee of the Whole meeting that is convenient. E. CITY MANAGER The City Manager introduced Mr. Marty Van Duyn as the new Planning Director as of Monday. VII. COMMUNICATIONS A. WRITTEN 1. A. Zettler Greeley, 21450 Prospect Road, Cupertino, requesting the Blackwell Homes' application for rezoning for a planned community of 135 homes be denied. This has_b~iven to the City Attorney for review. 2. Stephen H. Goodman, District Manager and Engineer, County Sanatation Distric't No. 4, regarding Proposed Increase in Sewer Service Charges. No comments. 3. Steven Braley, Vice Principal, Rolling Hills School r~garding Traffic at the intersection of Pollard Road and 'along Quito Road from Ravenwood to Old Adobe Road. The City Manager stated that this~ is a fOllow-up communication from the school. This area is under consideration and is included in the Capital Improvement program for next year.. -14- 4. Miles Rankin, Saratoga Chamber of Commerce, requesting that the City reimburse the Chamber for 1973-74 for community concerts. The City Manager reported that the City ha~ ~fl'd~oi~dl~g~mm~two years ago t8 help g~ it 6~ the groU~d~ 'Ro~ever~ we had nor 'contributed this year. The Chamber is asking for $800 from the City for ~ year and a contribution of $500 for next year. He noted that last yearns budget did not contain funds for that purpose; no formal request had been made in advance by the Chamber. He, therefore, asked that the $800 be denied on the basis of no advance request a year ago. Mayor Smith felt that the City should continue to support this and S500. was a modest amount, and felt that members of the Chamber's staffSmight come before the Council at the next meeting to discuss next yea~s contri[~tion. 5. Henry Schleckser, 12668 Titus Ave., regarding hazardous conditions at two intersections in Congress Springs School area. 6. Verlin J. Smith, Principal, and Mrs. Joanne E. Salinger, PTA President, Congress Springs Schook, regarding hazardous conditions at intersections near school. Mayor Smith read the 1~ ~r~'~Mr.~Smith and Mrs. Salinger to the Council. He then askliI~.tRe~el.indiv~du~ls wi~hed to add anything further I~>in the way of comments for fU~[~t~t~m~ny~.~7' Mr. Smith addressed the Council asking for st~ps to be taken to make the barrier destruction proof, which has not bee~ p~S~iBl['i~?the past. Mr. Shook replied that it was true that the City has had no luck in the past and has given much thought to many possibilities. ~-,~Yn~Ytfng was held with ~. Bill Stevens of PG&E whereby they will provi~ po~.7',~' ~"~ apger and Saratoga will pr6vide the concrete to set the po~l~ Mayor Smith asked if this could ~e done within the next 30 days.qMr. Shook replied that he felt it could be done in that time. ~e City Manager proposed an interim measure such as mounding and berming at the bend area indicated on the plat plan. Mayor Smith asked the City Manager to submit a report back to the Council on this matter within the next 30 days. Mr. Shook also noted that ~. Ste~ens, of PG&E, has replied to his copy of the letter. Joanne Salinger addressed the CoUncil pointing out that school is out and su~er school is in session. Since there are no school busses operating for su~er school, the ~foot traffic has increased and something should be done about the situation quickly. B. O~L Mr. Huff, representing Pride~s Crossing Homeowners' Association pointed out to the Council, that he had written a letter to the Council one week ago and it was not noted in the packet. Mayor Smith found the letter and apologized for the oversight. ~. Huff's letter addressed itself to traffic problems at two intersections. ~ere were Titus and Brockton Lane an~ Brockton Lane and Miller Avenue. ~ese are blind corners and people take these corners at high speed, crossing the center line. He would like to see the City install a traffic light to protect children crossing. Also a 2-way stop sigh should be replaced by a 4-way sign. He also noted that there has been one death. -15- He requested the Director of Public Works to review this problem. Mayor Smith replied this would bedone, and a report prepared. Councilman Bridges asked Mr. Huff wheFe the cars are going now that a stop sign has been installed at the end ofLMiller Avenue. Mr. Huff replied that he was not sure, however, there is some indication that the traffic is now on Saratoga Avenue. Henry Schleckser referred to the same two corners that Mr. Huff talked about. He called the Council's attention to the fact that these streets are heavily used by school children. There are no sidewalks and no bus service during summer school. He asked that some priority be given to these matters. VIII. ADJOURNMENT It was moved by Councilman Kraus and seconded by Councilman Bridges to adjourn the meeting to an Executive Session~ to follow immediately, and an Adjourned Regular /Meeting on Tuesday~ June 2~t~ Th~ mot~qn was c~rri~d. 'The meeting was' adjourned 'a~"ll:05 p.m. z Respectfully submitted, -16-