HomeMy WebLinkAbout01-15-1975 City Council Minutes MINUTES
SARATOGA CITY COUNCIL
TIME: Wednesday, January 15, 1975 - 7:30 P.M.
PLACE: Saratoga City Count31 Chambers, 13777 F~uitval~Ave., Saratoga,.California
TYPE: Regular Meeting
I. ORGANIZATION
A. ROLL CALL
Present: Councilmen Brigham,. Corr, Kraus, Matteoni. andsBridges
Absent: None
B. MINUTES
'- It was moved by'C6uncilman'Brigham and seconded by Councilm an Kraus the
minutes of December 18, 1975 be approved and the reading be waived. The
motion was carried.
II. BIDS AND CONTRACTS
None~
III. PETITIONS, ORDINANCES AND FORMAL RESOLUTIONS
A. RESOLUTION N0.431-2
A Resolution of ~he City Council of the City of Saratog~ Amending
Resolution No. 431 to Revise Boundaries of Underground~ District No. 1
It was moved by Councilman Kraus and seconded 6yCouncil~an Brigham Resolution
No. 431-2 be adopted. The motion was~carried.
B. RESOLUTION NO. 85-9.~8
A Resolution Amending-Resolution No,.85,9.16 and 85-9.8? Adding to Basic
Salary Classes,. Employment Position Classifications and Compensation Schedule
~or Employees of the City of Saratoga_
It was moved by Councilman Brigham and seconded by Councilman KraUS Resolution
No. 85-9.18 be adopt'ed. The motion was carried,
C, ORDINANCE NO. 38.62
An Ordinance~of the Cg. ty of Sara~e~a Amending Certain Sec.tions of Article
3 of the Saratoga City Code, and AmendinO Volumes I and IV of the 1970 Unifor~
Buildin~ Code Therein Ad~'pt~a' by Reference, Rela_ti~g to ~.lan-Checkin9 Fees
(Volume I)and Dangerous Buildings ./Volume IV'~
It was moved b~ Councilman Kraus .and seconded by Councilman Matteoni
Ordinance No. 38.62 be introduced and the reading be waived. The motion was
carried.
IV. SUBDIVISIONS, BUILDING SITES AND ZONING REQUESTS
None. -.
V. PUBLIC HEARINGS - Continued to follow ADMINISTRATIVE MATTERS.
VI. ADMINISTRATIVE MATTERS
A. MAYOR
1.Announced an Executive Session to follow this meeting for discussion
of "Personnel".
2. Appointed Councilman Kraus as Chairman of the Steering Committee for the
proposed Library Bond Issue. Councilman Kraus accepted this post.
B. FINANCE
1. Payment of Claims
It was moved by Councilman Kraus and seconded by Councilman Matteoni the
list of disbursements, 20658 thru 20701, be approved and the Mayor be
authorized to sign the warrants. The motion was carried.
2. City Clerk's Financial Report- Noted and filed~
3. City Treasurer's'Report - Noted and filed.
C. COUNCIL AND COMMISSION REPORTS
1. Councilman Kraus - Indicated he would like those 3resent to make them-
selves aware of the Library Bond Issue.
D. DEPARTMENT HEADS AND OFFICERS
1. Director of Public, Works - Report Re: Quito Road Traffic Problems
Near Austin Way.
Mr. Shook indicated he wanted to bring the Council up to date on what
has transpired since the last disaussion on this matter. He indicated
the(~_~e~T~e~'~'d~t~"Truck Route" sign oh ~Qito Road has beenre-
located, ~'~h~'~T'~l~si~ examining the matter o~ the "Truck Route"
sign at Lawrence Expressway. He advised an "advance curve" sign is
being installed near the intersection of Quito Road and Austin Way, and
also, a meeting with the County and the City of Monte Sereno has been set
up for next week todiscuss this intersedtion.
Mr. Shook indicated he follow up with an updated.staff report~T___~
.~=~.~_qC~(i'l~tin the near future.
E. CITY MANAGER
1. Northwest Saratoga Traffic Circulation Master Plan Stud~
It was moved by Councilman Kraus and seconded by Councilman Brigham the
Council accept the Northwest Saratoga Traffic Circulation Master Plan
and approve the date of February 5, 1975 for formal presentatio~ by
the traffic consultant. The motion was carried.
VII. COMMUNICATIONS'
A. W~ITTEN
1. Letter from former Councilm~n Rodhey J. Diridon expressing appreciation
for the dinner in his behalf on January 5, 1975 at La Mere Michelle's
Restaurant.
2. Robert B. Woolley,. Member-Board, Saratoga Little League, 19396 Shubert
Drive, requesting,Consideration be given-tolutilizing federal funds under
the Housing and Community Development Program for improvementsto Little
League Baseball Park. - Noted and filed~; letter to be considered under
Public Hearing item V-B.
-2L
WRITTE~ COMMUNICATIONS - Cont'd.
3. Jacqueline Welch, 20925 Jack's Road, commenting re: HUD grant - Housing
and Community Development Act of 1974. - Noted and filed; letterO to be
considered under Public Hearing item V-B.
4. Gregory P. Goodere and John Melvin, 13434 Ward Way, re: proposal for
"No Left Turn" from Saratoga Ave. to Dagmar (Saratoga Gardens Area)-- Noted
and filed.
5. Richard J. Hunter, 19701' Somerville Court, exoressing thanks to the Council
for hearing his appeal re: SDR-1037 at January 7th regular meeting. - Noted
and filed.
6. James O. & Virginia M. Appleyard, 19284 Harleigh Dri.ve~ expressing oppo-
sition to "No Parking" regulation along Harleigh Drive. - Council amended
motion of January 7th meeting approving installation of temporary ~igns~
imposing "No Parking" restrictions in thi-starea.
B. ORAL
1. Bruce ~hitlow, 13698 Manteca Way, commented he would like to ask the
City Council to postpone action to erect "No Parking" signs in this area
as oreviously set out in Resolution MV-90,'pa~ticularly that-area east
of Portos and south of the creek. Mr. Whitlow indicated there has never
been a parking oroblem in this area;' therefore, he'~elt the expense to
install signs at this location was unwarranted.
2. John Finan, 18875 Harleigh Ave., indicated he would SUPPOrt Mr. Whitlow's
comments.
3. Mrs. Pruvich, 13746 Richelieu Court, indicated she wo~ld.like-to ask
that the following cul-de-sacs be included in the area in which "No
Parking" signs-would be excluded: Marlene Court, Richelieu Court~ and
Harleigh Court.
4. Edward Daugherty, 18910 Harleigh Ave., commented Chat he has never
experienced the problem of students parking in front of his home in the
12½ years he has resided at this address.
5.~ R.i~na~d~Vi~a,2~ 13035 Brandywine Drive, co~nented that he wonders if the
Ci~"h~"'~ put "the cart before the horse" in this matter~ as we
haven',t really solved the problem of parking for students at West Valley
College.
6. Mrs. Lotito, 13682 Manteca Way, commented she has meetings during the
date in her home, and she is concerned about how she is going to continue
with the meetings when these signs are put uo. Also, she. commented they
park their cars in the street so their children can play basketball in the
driveway, and p~sting these signs will prohibit them from doing this.
She further commented they have never experienced a problem of students
parking along their-street.
7. Mrs: Lyle Freeman, 39071 Portos, asked if a-4-way StOD iS place~ on the
corner of Portos and Harleigh, would the "No Parking"~sign be olaced
adjacent to it. She felt that at the expense of the students, the City
is punishing the residents in this area.
8. Mr. Frank Perdichizzi,-19804?Colby Court, suggested that the Council con-
sider time lim'its for restricted pa~king, for in~tan~e,~l hour oarking.
He indicated that most of the students who park in this area a~e there
for several classes, and this would make it impossibl~ for the student
to get over to his class and back within 1 hour.
9. Mr, Carlton, 19098 Myron Court, ~commented they have never had a problem
with students parking in this area, and asked that the Counci~ hesitate
i~'erecting s~gns for this area.
-3-
ORAL COMMUNICATIONS - Coni'd.
After some further discussion of the matter of temporary "No. Parking" signs
in the area surrounding West Valley College, it was moved by Councilman
Matteoni. and seconded~by Cpuncilman Kraus ReSolution MV-90.1, amending
Resoluti6n MV-90 approving temporary installation of "No Parking" signs, be
adopted, and this resolution indicate exclusion of the area east of Portos
and Harleigh Drive, including Dolphin Drive and Man.teca Way. .The motion was
carried, 4 to 3 in favor -- Councilwoman Corr opposed.
V. PUBLIC HEARINGS
A.PUBLIC HEARING ON INSTALLATION OF PROPOSED TRAFFIC CONTROL DEVICES AT
VARIOUS INTERSECTIONS IN THE SARATOGA GARDENS AREA OF SARATOGA
The Mayor opened the public hearing at 8:30 P.M.
Mr. Beyer, City Manager, explained that at the laSt City Council Meeting the
Council pa~sed a motion indicating its intent to take certain actions in the
Saratoga Gardens area in terms of installing signs regulating stop signs at
various intersections, as well as turn movements to and from certain streets.
He indicated over 400 notices had been sent to residents in this area advising
of the public hearing this evening.
Mr. Robert Shook, Director of Public Works, addressed the Council and pointed
out on the exhibit the proposed stop locations and restricted turn movements.
He explained that several alternatives to the traffic problems in this area
were explored at meetings with the residents, and at the previous City Council
Meeting, the Council had directed him to prepare this particular scheme for
presentation to the residents this evening.
Mr. Shook indicated th~ two primary concerns expressed by residents were:
1) traffic short-cutting from Saratoga Avenue to the campus; and 2) speeding.
He iddicated the proposed Resolution MV-91 attempts to speak to both of these
problems. He indicated. He outlined on the exhibit the specific~~
locations for these turn movement restrictions, as well as the proposed stop
locations.
A citizen in the audience asked if traffic count devices had been installed
to indicate the amounK~ of traffic by the college. Mr. Shook replied the study
has not been to ~hat depth.
Eleanor Edmondson, 19150 Dagmar Drive, inquired what would stop people, after
these traffic devicesTMat indicated locations were put in, from making a ri{ght
turn andt"~unni~D=i~'~Td~~o Casa Blanca,-as there is not a stop sign,
a slow si~'b~l~t~'~j~I~{hat beautiful.~straight-of-waY.
Mayor Bridges indicated the Council would first hear questions regarding the
plan which Mr. Shook has outlined .
....... ~-.~-~._~--~-~-~ . . .
(M~.'RogerSiLetsdn~t9t31Por~os Dr~ve, addressed the Council and asked ~f the
~r~Fi~i~'rt~h~6v~enl~at the~p~opdsed designated locations apply only
during certain hours at all of these locations or at only the Portos Drive
location.
Mr. Shook replied there will be time')limitation at the location at the Dagmar
Drive location and also at Ronnie Way onto Portos; however, the other locations
.would be permanent prohibitions.
Mrs. Keck, 13535 Wendy Lane, commented with regard~o crossing the road at
Saratoga Avenue' and Dagmar, and leaving Ranfre so that cars can turn left.
It was her feeling college kids would look for any way they could find to get
around the traffic backed up at the railroad track and cut through to the
college.
-4-
PUBLIC HEARING - SARATOGA GARDENS
Mr. Shook replied this plan is an attempt to reduce this area as a short-
cut and make it less attractive to the college students.
A resident of Myren Drive asked what alternative route could be recommended
to get into Myren Drive from Saratoga Avenue with this prohibition of turn
movements.
Mr. Shook replied she would take Ranfre, Ronnieand Dagmar to Myren.
Mr. Shook advised the indication on the exhibit only indic&tes the possibility
of interrupting the street. He advised that last week at the meeting with the
residents it had been SugOested that it be located a one-block depth of Portos;
however, no further action was taken in this regard.
Edward Daugherty, 18910 Harleigh Drive, commented there would be 5 stop'signs
he would have to transverse i~ order to get out of his area. He further
commented he can remember when Saratoga was the kind of area with only 2
lanes on Saratoga Avenue~
Wallace Elliot, 13582 Myren Drive, asked what consideration has been given
to bussing of children to and from school.
Mayor Bridges replied ~hatbussing of children has been taken into consideration
in this plan.
Wallace Wise, 18880 A~cott Way, indicated his question is more tothe safety 'r .-'r
aspects of the barricade on Myron'in relation to fire trucks entering this
area. Also, he noted that Resolution No. 91 mentions nothing about the barri-
cade; the only indication of this barricade is on the map.
The City Manager'expl~i~c['~eh~'~i~de system has been considered as a
suggested alte~i~ iY {~ si'6}~i~ ~y~iT~t ~roved. The resolution,
' however, onlpTd~llNi~hlh~i~hl'~d'l~{ turn ~i~nl'~"~6~"S~Op ~igns.
Mr. Zi~erman, 19355 Ranfre Lane, cO~ented that he wonders what the traffic
count is on the left turn from Saratoga Avenuetto Dagmar and onto Ranfre Lane,
and if the left turns are prohibited on Dagmar,-what ~he count might become.
Mayor Bridg6s invited co~ents on this question from those 3resent in the
audience.
One citizen commented he had observed 82-83 cars making a right-hand {urn
onto Dagm~PDrive between 7:30 and 9:30 A.M. and approximately 79-80 making
a left-hand turn onto Dagmar Drive and going out to Saratoga Avenue. H~
further co~ented he had only observed-2 to 3 cars that were traveling even
close ~Lthe s~eed limit. A'lso, most~ people coming down Ronnie Way do stop;
~2{~S~'~'~':us~l~l~%~ into the street. He indicated the only inci-
de~t'h~9~as~ah'~l~ma~o became i~patient and passed a woman.
~as his feeling the college kids Should have just as mOchpight to go down
this street as anyone else· He commented that he does not ~ant a sign placed
in fpont of his,house~because if there is no one to enforce ~hem, the CarO
Eleanor Edmondson, 19150 Dagmar Drive, indicated she felt ~e ha~e a little
over-kill here, and a couple of pumble strips ~ould be more effective than
stop signs. She felt it Was unfair to prohibit a person w~o returns home
from ~o~k at 6:30 from'~akinga left turn, forcing him to d~ive around the
long ~ay in order to get home, and also, shedidntt see ho~ this ~ould stop
people fpo~ racing up ~nd down the street.~
- 5-
PUBLIC HEARING ~ SARATOGA GARDENS
Ann Roberts, Who'~residesT-onHarleigh Drive near Fortena Court, indicated
she goes this route every morning, ahd if this is closed off, she will have
to go down Allendale. It was her opinion the people On Allendale have enough
problems without this added traffic.
Mrs. Evans, 18860BaHeighDrive, asked the que~tio~:""Whoseproblem is this?"
and "Isn't th~s West Valley's problem, also, tO help k~ep .those youths from
coming"through this area l~:ke it is a race track?" She asked if the college
has been approached on this issue.." .. ~
Mayor Bridges adVised this resident the City has held. a joint meeting With
the College trustees; however, they Would hav~ difficulty in l~gislating a
route such as this to school.
Mrs. Evans felt there are still alternatives which have not yet been brought
before the Council~ She then related an incident which occurred in this area
on New Year3s Eve of this year, and sit was her feeling the response time{~)
~e"~_~ious fire departments on this call was longer'than it shoul!d have been.
The~fore, she felt we need our turns clear at all times.'
Mr. Shook informed Mrs. Evans the fire departments'~ould ignore any of these
turn prohibitions.
Mrs. Evans then asked: "Why should Saratoga Gardens~and-Kentfield have to be
the ones to. answe~ for West Val'ley traffic?" Also~ she asked if the Council
felt the "NoParking" ~igns were going to solve any pXoblems.
at the C~3i'eO~; ~'~'d~h~ n~-ho~'e~tll'~~~s is completed.
He pointed out that the City has no jurisdiction o~er the College, however.
Nancy 'Giddleson, 190901Portos, 'co~Tnented she is one of the original petitioners
for stop signs in this'area, and all they want to do is to Stop the speeding.
She indicated that everone residing on Portos Drive signed this petition in
an attempt to eliminate speeding. Mrs. Giddleson indicated she~-would like
to suggest stop signs at two additional locations; these being Wendy Lahe
and Westover Drive.
Mr. Appleyard~ 19284 Harleigh Drive, commen~ed he has lived in this area for
about 8 years, and this is the first time he has realized there is a traffic
· ~ problem. Mr. Appleyard commented that he travels out'over this route every
- day, and it has been his observation that as 'long as
speed limit, he doesn't endanger-anyone. Furthermore, it'~'~'~.h~T~"¢xpeFi~6ce
· that people who exceed the limit have been as many old and young. He felt
' stop signsat these proposed locations would donothing but cause a lot of
inconvenience to the residents in this area.
Bruce Whitlow, Manteca Way, addressed the Council an'd submitted the following
requesbwith respect to Resolution MV-91:
1) Proposed Alternative 4-A be amended to meet the following intents:
(a) Effective immediately, the following traffic 'Control devices be
installed: Stop signs be.erected for all directions at the inter-
sections of Portos Dri,e and Harleigh Drive, Portos Drive and '
Ron~ie Way, Ronnie Way and Dagmar Drive, and Dagmar Drive and
Casa Blanca Lane.
(b) Prohibition of turn signals be erected as follows: "No Left Turn"
from Dagmar Drive onto Ronnie Way; "No Right Turn" from Ronnie Way
onto Dagmar Drive
-6-
PUBLIC HEARING - SARATOGA GARDENS
(c) The Public Works DireCtor be given direction to install
additional traffic control devices as follows: Prohibition.
of left turn from Saratoga Avenue ont~ Dagmar Drive at specified
times; prohibition of right turn from Ronnie Way eastbOund,~a~d onto
Portos southbound, at specified times; "Stop" signs be posted at
Myren'Drive andPortoS D~ive in all. directions; a barricade be
erected on Myren Drive and that such barricade be erected only
after all other reasonable alternatives have been exhausted.
2) The Traffic Engineer re-evaluate the setting 6fltraffic signalsLat
Fruitvale Ave. andSgratoga Ave. and at Fruitvale Ave. and Allendale.
Mr. Whitlow urged that these measures be implemented immediately.-
Ralph Sutton, 13396 Ronnie Way, felt the Council should just consider putting
up some "ripples" and a.couple. of stop signs -- at Portos and Dagmar and at
Harleigh and Portos -- and these devices be implemented in stages to see ~irst
how they work out.
Mr. Sutton commented, also, ~tha~ when ~ou put a cul~de-sac in, you reduce the
flow of traffi ~ However, ~e~i'~'~'~'~Shom'~v~"~6~'~d~wn
. as-a~l'~f'~Q'h'~l~e~'c~l-~s~'s'an~h~ifU~si-gh~l-in~ssS-~'~ - .
sutton t ·
E~~~d~i~a~revi~oe~:i~=~me~ti~d-as-he--fel~r'~] ~6~'~~ be
c~l~, ~nB~idn't feel the City should go to this extent. He co~ented,
also, that he felt a slower implementation schedule on this plan miOht
alleviate a lot of upset feelings.
Donald F~sh, 13428 Christie Drive, commented in his experience with turning
onto Dagmar, he is usuall~ no more than the third car in li~ne to"turn left;
however, if it was felt there is a problem, the left holding lane could be
lengthened to allow more cars.
~6~l~on~Da~.~0 b~i~ted, while the people on Portos are allowed
a free flow of traffic. He asked "Why don't you make ~t one-way on Portos and
leave Dagmar the way it is?" It was his feeling a study should be undertaken
in this area and a radar unit be considered.
Ed Daugherty, 18910 Harleigh Drive, co~ented he feels it is a Question of
either 2 things: 1) restrict the traffic flow by "stop signs"; or 2) enforce-
ment. He stated that he would rather spend his tax dollars for some kind of'
police patrol. He commented that'a couple of weeks ago they heard some noise
in front of their home, and they went out and found a glass jar of gasoline.
Also, a week ago, someone twisted his mailbox around, and the house across the
street bore $25,000 to $30,000 worth of damage as a result of a fire, and that
is under investigation at this time. He related several other=recent incidents
of vandalism in this neighborhood. Therefore, he felt enforcement should be
seriously considered in lieu of a lot of stop signs. He felt the speed limit
of 25 M.P.H. should be enforced.
~ Roger -L~t~on~ ~9~ 3~' P~toS= ~Dn~e~f}~ed ~g h~'~ ~ ~¥o~ ~f ,~the ori g i nal
ee~p l~'~who~'~'~a'~;ti'~ib~'s ~rer~S~6~d~t~ she has on
several occasions called the~e~i~out to her home to discuss with him the
condition of speeding along ~i'S~eet, and she felt there is an i~ediate
problem here. She indicated that approximately 3 months ago, she came before
the Council and asked if they could shorten the time period to act on this
matter from 45 days to 30 days. In the meantime, the speeding prob]em con-
tinu~s-and is building up to speeds of 60 M.P~H. Mrs. Letson commentedthat
she felt signs would be a step forward.
-7-
PUBLIC HEARING - SARATOGA GARDENS
Francis Shiller, 13378 Christie Drive, commented she would be opposed to
the proposed "No Left Turn" off Saratoga Avenue to Christie Drive, as she
had tested the proposed alternate route and found it took her 1.7 miles
more than their usual route to get back to her home~. Over a months time,
she calculated this to be over 40 miles further. She indicated she would be
in favor of the ~top signs, however.
Ralph Ramona, 18700 Cas~ Blanca Lane, indicated he is interested. in the use
of Dagmar and the proposed prohibition of left tur~s, and also~the pro-
posal for the arterial stops. ~Mr. Ramona con~en~ed that he feels some
problems that are to be corrected on Dagmar would create mdre. problems in
the Portos area.
Mr. Ramona commented, also, that something which has not-been mentioned is
the proposed subdivision between the railroad tracks.'and Dagmar Drive, and
he felt this was gOing'tO add to the problems.
He further suggested the City ~heck the present State Laws to~ee if these
streets might qualify for radar patrol. Mr. Ramona also felt a reasonable
alternative might be to post additional "Speed Limit" signs so that people
Walter Doucett, 1'9131 Dagmar Drive, commented that it appears we are fighting
two problems -- the people on Portos are fighting a traffic problem, and the
people on Dagmar are fighting a problem of lack of educated drivers. He
stated the biggeSt violators are those people who live in this area. There-
fore, he didn't feel the stop signs were going to overcome the problems,
and unless there is enforcementofthese signs, the solution is not going to
come.
Mrs. Letson, 19131Portos Dri.ve, commented she, aS.well as, all.the people who
live on Portos, had favoredtone turn b~ie"'F'~Td a barricade as a simple and
L ~fect_i. ye sp.l_u~i_6~n ~ver~ ~M~:'Shi6k° h~d'
were against this, which she questions. Mrs. Letson felt stop signs on
Ronnie, Portos and Myren ared't going to do anything.
Edward King, a resid6nt o~ Sarat6ga, commented he feltkids were-going to
speed, whether ornot there are stop signs upS.
Frank PerdichiZzi,-President. of Pride's Crossing Homeowner"s ~ssociation,
addressed the Council, stating that residents of Pride's.Crossing had a
similar problem, and they worked with the City for severa?month~ before
obtaining the stop signs. He indicated that at first'the feel.ings were similar
to the peoplehere this evening. However, they have learned that p~ople do
stop, and the average speeds are .reduced, as well=as the average traffic fl"'ow.
Ron Peters, 13590 Myren Drive, commented he did not feel a barrieade would be
a ~ood idea, however, he would favor stop signs. He a.lso ~ndicated he didn't
feel restricted turn movements would be good. Mr~ Peters felt the biggest'
problem would exist the first month of the school semester, a~uming these
signs are i:nstalled. He felt a barricade would p~ohibit many people in this
area easy access to Gardiner Park.
Mr. Peters suggested the 3~way stop proposed at Ron·nie and Dagmar be moved to
Harper and Dagmar. He also felt once people started getting sited, word would
travel around and this would be effective.
Mrs. Keck, 13535 Wendy Lane, again addressed the Council and indicated that
this morning on her way home from he~ children's school, decided to'try~an
experiment. Sh~h~a_d pulled up by Gardiner Park~i'~i~]~'~t~h~'~.
re~co~d~5~ -~-~3~f'which were travel.ing d~POrto~-and~21~ming~fr~m
M~Sh~i'~dit~t~t 7 of those cars on Po[tos were Foming fast enough
to have to slow down to make the curve.
PUBLIC HEARING - SARATOGA GARDENS
It was then moved by Councilman Kraus and seconded by Councilman Brigham
the public hearing be closed. The motion was carried. The public hearing
was closed at 9:55 P.M.
After considerable discussion of this matter by the Council, it was moved
by Councilman Kraus and seconded by Council~'o~a~~itTM~'~_,
authorized to contract with the Sheriff' s ~Ffo'F~'de~l~4O hours
~k~ 't~~T~~ ~i~i~l~=~'reas ~f'~he'~
'The~m~tlbnw'~"carri'ed~ ' ...... ~ ' ~ = ~
Councilman Brigham moved Resolution MV-91 be amended to add a 3-way stop
at Harper and Dagmar and 4-way stop at Westover and Portos. This motion
died for lack of a second.
It was then'moved by Councilman Matteoni and seconded by Mayor Bridges the
resolution be adopted installing stop signs at Harleigh and Portos; Myren
and Portos; and Ronnie and Portos; and a stop sign for egressing traffic
from Ronnie Way onto Dagmar; and a 3-way stop at Harper and Dagmar. The
motion was carried, 3 to 2r~in favor, Councilmen Brigham and Kraus voting
in opposition.
B. HOUSING AND COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT ACT OF 1974 (Cont'd. 12/12/74 & 1/7/75)
Mayor Bridges indicated there were 2 items of correspondence related to
this matter, one from Robert B. Woolley, Member of the Board, Saratoga
Little League, 19396 Shubert Drive, requesting consideration be given to
utilize federal funds under the Housing and Community Development Program
for improvements to Little League Baseball Park, and from Jacqueline Welch,
20925 Jack's Road, commenting regarding the HUD grant.
The Mayor then re-opened the public hearing (10:42 P.M.)
RobertiVan der Toorren, 14555 Horseshoe Drive, addressed the Council,
ma~ing reference to his proposal, dated January 14, 1975, indicating he
hoped the Council would receive this as input. Mr. Van der Toorren further
indicated that on Sunday a meeting ~fb~'~r~roups and
the Community Garden Corporation, at ~h~i~a~b~'Of 'aesi~es were
expressed. They looked at thesre~ults of the outcome of the questionnaire
which had been circulated by the city staff and tried to use this as a ~ery
broad basis in determining their proposal. He then presented the Council
with 2 sets of photographs which are referred to in his report.
Mr. Van der Toorren stated that what the people of the Community Garden are
concerned withis the beautification of Saratoga, the educational element
of the people of Saratoga to the fields of botany and gardening, the
educational value of gardening and the outdoors, etc.
It was Mr. Van der Toorren's feeling there was no direct danger to public
health and welfare under some of the City's suggested programs; therefore,
he didn't feel expenditure of these funds for some of these programs would be
appropriate. He particular expressed opposition to expenditure of the funds
It was his feeling the program talks about code enforcement aha-~eha~ilitation
of deteriorating and underdeveloped areas, and it does not speak to individual
households in areas where the other homes on the street are reasonably kept up.
Furthermore, Mr. Van der Toorren did not feel Saratoga is an area which
qualifies as a deteriorating slum.
Dick Bowman, 19691 Farwell Ave., addressed'the Council', speaking on behalf
of Saratoga Little League. Mr. Bowman reviewed the fact that the Council had
issued a lease last year to use the property on the other end of Glenbrae,
and since that time, the Little League has spent approximately $11,O00 to
clear of this area.. H( indicated that the funds which have been used so far
are coming not only from the participants within the City, but also, outsi~de
the city limits.
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PUBLIC HEARING - HOUSING & COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT ACT
Mr. Bowman indicated the Little League is expecting approximately 700 boys
and gfrls during the next year, and they are facing some expenditures in
the near future to make the park the way they want it. He further indicated
the funds they are looking at would be fi~r the purpose of'installing sprinklers,
grass, restrooms, snack facility, landscaping, etc. would'approXimate $25,000;
however, it is their intent to cut this figure down'considerably by doing much
of the work themselves, bringing the figure d6wn'to approximately $16,000.
Mr. Bowman asked that the City Council consider this use'of the funds a high
priority f~Tder.'~'~h~H'6~'~q/and Community Development Act program. He indicated
they would'6~'t~'~'~in~b~U~ $16,000, or 3% of the total allotted funds under
the program, over the next 3 years.
The City Manager advised Mr. Bowman that it would be very helpful if he could
provide information to delineate these expenditures. Mr. Bowman indicated he
would provide these figures.
Councilwoman Corr inquiredif the Little Leagueoperates.its facilities year
round. '
Mr. Bowman replied ~he facility would be used byLittle Leagu~ primarily from
mid-March thru July, and it is made available for other activities during the
remainder months.
Councilwoman Corr then asked if soccer was one of the activities on the
facility. Mr. Bowman replied that it does not lend itself to a soccer field.
Jacqueline Welch, 20925 Jack's Road, addressed the Council, and stated that
what she proposes in her letter meets all of the qualifications as outlined
under this Act. She indicated she felt the first thing she felt has the
highest priority is housing for the elderly -- low cost housing. Also, she
felt the Saratoga-Community Garden fits into many of these qualifications,
as it provides wholesome activity for the elderly.and offers apprenticeship
programs for the young.
Ms. W~lch further commanted she would be in favor, also, of demolition of the
Arco station, indicating she felt this sit~ couldBb~us~d as a mid-town park
for mothers to take their children, and also, another idea could be to
locate a circular kiosk to post announcementst
She also expressed interest in working with the Saratoga Heritage Committee
to preserve and restore the appearance of historic buildings in the City.
Col. Barco, 18873 Dundee Ave;, addressed the Council, stating that he has
looked over~theLd!n~Ormati. on:'regarding the-Housing and Community Development
Act and has come to one conclusion. He indicated that when he saw the word
" d", he stopped to think about it, and asked: "Does Saratoga really need
nee
that money?" It was his feeling that it does 'not. Secondly, when he read
the certificate which the Mayor has to sign pertinent to the application
process, he indicated if he were in the Mayor's position he could not sign this.
Col. Barco stated: "'We don't need that money." and "We don't need the Federal
Government down here telling us how to run our business." Col. Barco stated
~hat he feels anyone who proposes any way in which to spend this money ought
to read this certificate first and then-say to-themselves: "If I had to sign
that certificate, could I do so in good conscious?"
Dr. Joseph F. Brown, Director, Cupertino Sanitary District, indicated that one
of the very basic functions which goes on here in Saratoga and Cupertino is
that of elimination of sewage. Dr. Brown ~tated there has been some concern
expressed this evening that there is really no slum area in Saratoga, and he
agreed there was none in the entire Cupertino Sanitory D~strict either. However,
he commented he feels we all appreciate the one great natural'resource, and
that is the South San Francisco Ba~. He felt that everXone should realize the
climate regulation of the Bay,~-~Td~-~'6~t~e~Tl~ be Alviso's
problem. He explained that th~i~{~T~'~i~fa~6a-HowsW~a
TM federal regulation
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PUBLIC HEARING - HOUSING & COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT ACT
which is going to require a treatment plant, and these are funds we are all
going to have to come up with sooner or later. Dr. B~own did not feel~it was
a question if this upgrade was goingto place, rather, it was a question of
how soon and where the money is going to come from. He indicated it could
be that wi.th the state the economy is in these projects may be delayed; how-
ever, it may be that they will not be delayed and will have to pass by the
citizens of this district to come up with thesesfunds. He indicated it is
possible to provide the money through these funds as the projects do qualify,
and i t could be put into some of the ongOing projects so that the money,~.will
not have to come out of our taxpayers.
Dr. Brown pointed out that another attractive aspect to this expendit~ 6f ~"~'~I
funds is that the money isn't going to be eaten up in administrative costs,
and the money would go all the way in providing these advancements.
The City Manager asked what kind bf dollars Mr. Brown would'be talking about.
Dr. Brown replied they would be looking'at the expend~t6re of one-half mi'llion
dollars expenditure over the next 3 years. However, any little bit of money
that could go toward this program, for in'stance, $15,000 or $20~00,' would be
helpful..
· ~ Councilwoman Corr asked What percentage of Saratog9 is cbvered by the Cupertino
Sanitary District.
Dr. Brown replied the DiStrict takes care Of 15-20% of the Saratoga District;
the remainder is covered by Sanitation District No. 4~
-" Miles Rankin, re~resenti~g theGood~Government Group, asked if the City could
~ under this act give money to Cupertino Sanitary District.
Marry Van Dbyn,'Director ~f Planning, commented that'the applicability would
depend on how the~use would rel.ate to the needsof Saratoga.
Mr. Rankin indicated that he aslked this question because he had been asked
the question: "If ~he City turned down the money', could it be given to the
,. County for open space?" He also asked if the City was tied tolow cost housing
projects under the present plan. He indicated he would like to know where we
stand on low-cost housing and where we are'on that particular'point.
The Cit~ Manager explained that as part of the application process, it is required
to include a housing assistance plan, and ~ithin that plan should be included
3 or 4 elements; for instance, spelling out an invent ~y of the cOmmQni~y~'is<
housing as it now exists and indicate where there might be problem areas.
After it has been determined there isa problem in a particular area, then it
must be determined what we as a community are going to do-about it. Then it is
up to the Council to say: "We are going to do something."
The City Manager further pointed out that "low inc6me" is a relative te~ under
t~is Act, and low income in Saratoga as a relative.figureis $9,000 -- defined
in the Act as 80% of the' median income.
He explained, in answer to Miles Ranki~n's question, that it is possible to have
an application with no programs relevant to housing; but it ~s also possible
'that HUD, when this application gets to the review process, could revise C/ST~
the application and set conditions. However, he indicated it all depends on
which direction we choose to go~
Russell~Crowther, 20788 Norada ~ourt, indicated hewould .hope in the City
Council's evaluation of the various alternatives being considered that one
of the criteria be a careful evaluation of the .impact on the City's resources.
He indicated he would personally like to see choices which do not ~involve staff
members and the types of things where We do not get maximimum amount for our
dollar.
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PUBLIC HEARING - HOUSING & COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT ACT
Fred Vi 11 asenor, Executive Di rector, Community Coordinated Chi 1 d Development
Council, addressed the Council and commented that he didn't know if there was
a need for housing in the City of Saratoga; however, he does know there is
always a need for social assistance with problems in the city. He indicated
he is familiar with needs of the elderly citizens, as well as needs of children.
as it relates to child care. He indicated Section 8 of Elgible Activities under
this Act specifically includes assistance for child care services.
Mr. Villasenor pointed out there are numerous single-headed families in the
community, and there are many children who need these services. He indicated
there is data on file from the past 2 years substantiating the need for this
type of service.
Councilman Matteoni' requested if Mr. VillaSenor could provide this analysis
for the Council's review, as well 'as a breakdown, if established, what kind of
staffing needs would be involved, f:i~nancial criteria of participants in this
program, etc.
Nat Abrams, 19739 Edina Lane, commented he felt i't would be advisable for any
future input requesti.n'g funds be resumed to ·the specific.topic addressed. He
indicated he got the impression from reading the.questionnaire that was circu-
lated that it was "Christmas time". However, he indicated he was glad we are
getting a little different approach tonight. Dr. Abrams indicated that what he
would suggest is that about-80%·I of the funds 'be earmarked for housing for the
elderly, and specifically for low and moderate incomes. He also felt the
City should incorporate the Good Government Group's 's~rvey in substantiating
data showing housing needs in the area. Dr.~ Abrams further suggested when
the funds are spent, they be spent in such a way as to invoTve as little admini-
stative costs as possible. He 'indicated in the past the question has always
arisen that if you want to provide housing for low and mmoderate income, how ·
do you guarantee this? He stated that this can be guaranteed by imposing deed
restrictions on the ~dj~cent land which the City owns; by ownership of land; or
by imposing lease conditions.
Dr. Abrams stated that (~ gre'a~re~'~h'~T~e~.of the' comments made earlier;
however, he pointed out ~v~'th~'F6~pe~'~·!tO~t)~C6~mentS that Saratoga should not
accept the money if they do no~ have a particular· problem, th~s money ~11
~ably be sent to Los Gatos or East San
Dr. Abrams co~ented that the Federal Government has oenerated a spirling~_~
inflation. He indicated he speaks~Th~6eTt'{o ~6s~peopl~'T~e~'h~nown'~
long time who have 1 i ved in S ara~oga,"~h~'have-'ha'd
aside, but have had to move out of Saratoqa because we have eroded their retire-
ment funds. Dr. Abrams felt this in itseif is the objective of this Act.
Jim Isaak, 18596 Martha Ave., a~dressed the-CounCil, indicating that he felt
the Basic Data Report of the 1974 General Plan would provide necessary data
for these funds. He stated this information indicates there are 1..4% families
in Saratoga with an income of less than $4,000, and approximately 7.2% with an
income less than $9,999. Additionally, it indicates there are ~pproximately
53~amilies below poverty levels and with female heads of households. He felt
~the~federal funds coul~ go to. help these kind of people.
~n~'F~6 i~dh' h~"f~l't~ '~h'~ 'f~d~ ~l'd' ~"~d~aT 1 ~w- co~' ~i'~t
~si~a~d~ also favored the idea of land-banking a portion 6f this· money.
He felt also low-cost loans should 'be made available for people ~i't~ )o~-i.n~
comes in order to upgrade their property.
It was then moved by CoU~ciiman~Br,i,gham and seconded by Councilman Kraus the
public hearing be{~to
The City Manager then asked that the Council give some· direction in order that
he could pull together some alternatives for consideration at the public hearing
next week.
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PUBLIC HEARING - HOUSING & COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT ACT
Councilman Kraus indicated he felt there is a need in Saratoga to try and
provide something for the elderly, and this gives us the opportunity to place
elderly housing where it should be. He indicated. also, he is interested in
parks and open space preservation. In addition, he indicated he would 1.ike to
consider the Community Garden, child care, and the Little .League proposal.
Councilwoman Corr commented that she felt if there is a problem, it would be
in the area of housing for the elderly, and this is something we should direct
a great deal of our attention to.. She indicated she has looked.over the Dro-
posa~ f~om the Garden and feels this does have possibil'ities fdr Serving a
variety of people, and perhaps some.of their proposals may hel~ to continue a
program to improve some dfthe blighted areas.
Councilman Brigham indicated he felt housing for the elderly should be considered
one of the prime objectives for this funding. Secondly, he felt the Commu~isty
Garden could serve a very valuable purpose in providing open space, and also
serving a human need. He further commented that he feels in the Quito area and
some other areas of the city we do have some low~income groups, and private
improvement projects might be worth looking into.
Mayor Bridges then indicated the public hearing would be continued to Tuesday,
February 21st.
C. NUISANCE ABATEMENT (Cont'd. 11/6/74 & 12/1'8~74)
Consideration of a Request f~r the City of S9~o~ to'Declare~P~operty at
]2175~12241Sar~o~a-Su.9.nyvale Road a~a "Public Nuisa'nce''~ Because of ~onditions
Existing on That Property Which Constitute Violations of Certain Fire, Health
and Cit~] Statutes and Regulations
The City Manager reported on a recent memorandum from the Code Enforcement Officer,
dated January 10,.1975, which indicates the nature of the violations on this property
and the status to date. He explained there are basically 2 areas of concern --
one at 20401Miljevich Drive, in which Mr. Spaich is in the process of applying
for a use permit for relocation of the accessory structure on this property.
He indicated the other property in question is Hansen Motors on Saratoga-Sunnyvale
Road. He stated Mr. Upson, the City's Code Enforcement Officer, has approached
Mr. Hansen regarding the number of cars he is allowed to store on this property,
and Mr. Hansen has agreed.to erect a 6-foot chain-link fence to screen this problem.
Mr. Hansen has indicated he has experienced some difficulty in getting the materials
for this fencing; however, it would be erected immediately upon its delivery.
The City Manager indicated he feels Mr. Spaich is making a good effort to get the
problems resolved; therefore, he would recon~end the public nuisance declaration
be withdrawn at this time.
Mayor'Bridges then re-opened the public hearing at 11:52 P.M.
Councilman Kraus indicated he did not want to close the public hearing on this
matter until the fence has been erected. Also, he commented that if the cars
parked in front of the garage are customer cars, they have been there a long time,
and he felt the Council should sait until this problem is rectified.
Councilman Brigham indicated he wou~d be in agreement with Councilman Kraus's
comments.
Ken Martin, Shop Foreman at Hansen Motors, addressed the Council, indicating
there has been a terrible vandalism problem on this property. He explained that
the cars parked in back of this property are those which .are inoperative, and ,~-
those parked along the side are the ones which are not so badly damaged, whichI'
are rotated 14 or 15 times daily. By parking the cars in the open view, this ~
discourages the vandalism problem.
-13-
PUBLIC HEARING o NUISANCE ABATEMENT
Mayor Bridges commented that an illegal activity still exists in the sale of
firewood and there is still someone staying in the small trailer on this property
to guard the wood. ~H~ i~ndicated it had been his understanding the Council's feeling
was they would like to see the the sale of wood fall off; therefore, he felt the
public hearing should be held upon until that activity ceases.
The City Manager-commented he would suggest the Council indicate a specific date
the sale of firewood terminate, as the Council had ag~ed~to hold this off through
the winter.
There~b~ing no further comments by the Council at this time, it was moved by
Councilman Kraus and seconded by Councilman Matteoni the.public hearing be
continued to February 5, 1975. The motion was carried.
VIII. ADJOURNMENT
It was then moved by Councilman Kraus and seconded by Councilman Brigham the
meeting be adjourned to an Executive Session. The motion was carried. The meeting
was adjourned at 11:55 P.M.
Mayor Bridges indicated he would like to recognize the presence of the following:
Mary Moss Good Government Group
Frank Perdichizzi Pride's Crossing Homeowneris Association
Miles Rankin Chamber of Commerce
Jean Woodward Saratoga Planning Commission
Russell Crowther Greater Arguello Homeowner's Association
John Power Quito Merchants/Chamber of Commerce
Mr. & Mrs. Sifferman Manor Drive Homeowner's Association
Mildred Gordon Saratoga Parks & Recreation Commission
Bill Eagen Saratoga Creek Homeowner's Associa~tion
John Dotter Saratoga Community Garden
Marjorie Foote A.A.U.W.
espectfully submitted,
Ro~
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