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HomeMy WebLinkAbout07-29-1975 City Council Minutes MINUTES SARATOGA CITY COUNCIL TIME: Tuesday, July 29, 1975 - 7:30 P.M. PLACE: Saratoga Community Center, 19655 Allendale Avenue, Saratoga, California TYPE: Adjourned Regular Meeting I. ORGANIZATION A. ROLL CALL Present: Councilmen Brigham, Corr, Kraus, Matteoni and Bridges Absent: None II. PUBLIC HEARING' A.CONSIDERATION OF ALTERNATE LIBRARY SITE LOCATED ON SARATOGA AVENUE NEAR SACRED HEART CHURCH The City Manager presented a summarization of the progress to date con- cerning the proposed library site on Saratoga Avenue near Cox Avenue, explaining that negotiations to purchase this site are still underway; however, some qQestions have arisen concerning the negotiations. He explained that the purpose of the'public hearing this evening is to con- sider a backup or alternat._e_.s~t~e_~b~ld present negotiations for the Saratoga-Cox Avenue site~ail~.S___L~ He reviewed the background in arriving at this particular site location, indicating that after the Counci! approved this site in April, 1974, the City hired the firm of Spencer, AssoCiates of Palo Alto to work with the City in developing concepts for a proposed new library. They then developed a workshap concept, and established a 25-member committee to work with the architect. This committee established a number of goals and objectives for the new li.brary, particularly related to the physical 1) they felt the building should be residential in character; ~ should provide a ~ocal point for the community; should provide i~enti[C~ and a sense of place; 4).should be adaptable to physical c~ange; 5) should provide a sense of Selonging for individuals using it; 6) Should be accessible; 7) should make maximum use of environmental factors~'i~.~.-', solar energy, 8) should provide adequate parking. natural surroundings; and The City Manager explained that these goals and objectives provided a basis for evaluation of importance when decisions had to be made further down the line. He indicated that the Bond Issue for the library passed in March, 1975, and negotiations actively began on this site. shortly thereafter. He described the specific~i't~16~i~h looked at, which was the location on the front portion of~'Sa~_~T~nue. However, because of the high cost of this land, th~ou~iqsc~e~to'~t~l~i~n~ ~ 1 ~~~'~T~l~h~e~i~'i'O~a~io~o~i~i~d~i~ ~.~'+~6'f~T'property. ~He <~l"i. h~ the various e ements that werb:evaluated pertinent to the si_te~o~e rear of the propety, such as: l) visibility~2~i~a~{~i~ina ~l]n~(e o~parcel; 3). question of access; 4) ex~l~{i~ ~~o~l~n~ 5) firming up of costs. The Council in considering a fallback position in the event negotiations on the Saratoga-Cox Avenue site failed, based this position on 4 factors: 1) timing (in order to not delay a fall bond sale); 2). initial objectives and the question of mitigation, particularly on the issue of visibility; 3) potential impact on the libra~y_-itself, due to future development on remainder of the parcel; and 4) inability to arrive at a firm committment on the dollar value of the land until other elements have been-resolved. Mr. Beyer described the specific location of the alternate site under consideration, which is~T6~a'~to~ue Heart Church. He indicated ~t t~e time he made his recommendation to terminate the negotiations with the property owner and hold a public hearing to consider an alternate, it had appeared to him that an agreement was not going to be reached on the proposed site. However, since that time, progress has been made in the negotiations, a~d he'indicated he was hopeful an acceptable agreement could be reached with t~e property owner. He then presented'two letters that had been submitted to th~ City Council relevant to this matter from: Mr. and Mrs. John Jorgensen, 13631 Saratoga Ave., urging the use of city~owned land adjacent to~Sacred Heart Church for the new library site; and Pride's Crossing Homeowners Association, advocating the approved location for the proposed library, and speaking to the various objectives mentioned earlier.in Mr. Beyer's presentation. Mr. Beyer indicated that the Library-Commission's recommendation re-affirms its support of the original site;]however, the Commission.approved the following motion at.its meeting on June 25, 1975: "To recommend to the City Council that it supports the recommendation for the alternate site, and urge the City Council that if such site must be selected, consideration be given to joint. useage of.the Sacred Heart'Church '~parking lot." Councilman Matteoni asked, with r~spect to, the timing problem, what was the expiration d~te of the existing Quito site lease. Mr. Beyer replied that this~leaseexpires in~, 1976; however, the Countg" is in the process of negotiating an extended lea~e~ which would overlap the proposed initial schedule for construction of the new facility~ The Mayor then opened the'publiC hearing at 7:58 ~.M. The Mayor recognized the presence of Dr. Nat Abrams, owner of the proposed site in question, and a~ked Dr. Abrams if he wou~d like to address the City Council. Dr. Abrams, 19739 Edina Lane, commented that he doesn't intend to ~nter into negotiations at this public hearing. Rather, h~s objective was to give the audience his opinion of how things were proceedingon this site. Dr. Abrams indicated that the City could oo forward on the purchase of this land with the full assurance that~$200,O06.00 is all that the land wouldcost, and therefore, he didn't feel this should be a problem. He then pointed out on the map the proposed situation of the building on the rear of this property, and stated he has no question that the' land is available for the size of building the City.will finally design, and the orientation of the building to the land will be no problem. He indicated the building, can be re-orientated to the solar energy needs, and the courtyard can be faced -2- toward the creek,~away from the entrance, which opens to a garden setting. Dr. Abrams stated there would be.no limiting factors that would prevent the library from being situated at any angle~on this land. With regard to the question of accessibility, Dr. Abrams indicated there would be access from Cox Avenue and from Saratoga Avenue; therefore, he didn't feel this would be a probTem. He indicated another question seems to'be that of G~ibility of this location, and indicated that in his mind, this has~o'been'resolved. He stated he is agreeable ~olleaving a visability line of view from the entrance so most of the building could be seen. He further indicated he would be agreeable to imposed restrictions on adjacent"land to prohibit any structures that would block the view of the library. With regard to timing, D~. Abrams indicated he felt it would be possible, if meetings were held 'daily.and pressure-was put on, this whole matter could be wrapped up in two weeks. He further commented that a private developer would have wrapped this up in one afternoon. Dr. Abrams indicated ~here are, however, some requirements which he would need, namely, to be able to devel'op the land in accordance with present zoning. He indicated he has no i~mmediate plans to develop this land. However, he doesn't feel he can sity by and assume the land will be developed in that way once'the li~brary is developed. Dr. Abrams further stated that~he is in a position to commit himself by imposing restrictions upon himsel'f, and he asked-if the City-is in aposition to commit itself to a developer. It'was further his feeling when the library goes in under this kind of planni~ng, the land is committed% and everything the City Council does that affects land commits the City forever. He stated there is no reason why the negotiations could not be wrapped up and an agreement drafted in a number of days. Vi'c Ulmer, 13004 Paseo P~esada, asked if the current conflict of agreement centered around the fact that. the City wishes to have a committment of the rest of this land in a different.way than the owner of land wishes it to be committed. Mayor'Bridges explained that the City is attempting'to uphold the original plans of the Library Committee, and the developer seems to be asking for a committment from the City that we would develop the property to present standards at such time when~the property is developed. Councilman Kraus indicated that one of the concerns is the committment of this Council to some other City Council further down.the line. Councilman Matteoni commented that the kind of assurance the property~wants here is causing the Council some problems because the Council has nothing to deal with. He stated this goes into the'planning process that might bind a Council 5 to 10 years from now, particularly when~the specifics aren't known. Fred Tatar, 20577 Manor Drive, indicated he would like to ask a question about the alternate site on Saratoga'A~enue, that being: "How large is this property, and how does the criteria meet with the criteria outlined earlier in the meeting?" The City Manager replied that this site is approximately 11 acres, and it pretty well fits most of the objectives outlined in his initial comments this evening. Lorretta Hill, Vice President, Prides Crossing Homeowners and Taxpayers Association, addressed the Counci'l, indicating she would like to read aloud the letter to the City Council. Mrs. Hill read the letter, which outlines various points of priority in selecting the library site, a~d documenting their reasons for these prio~i'~i~'~T'.~The letter also urges that the City Manager and City Council re~ch'~n~eement with' Dr. Abrams on the Saratoga, Cox Avenue site. - 3- Martha Beverett, 19597'Via Monte,~indicated she has attended Library Workshop Meetings, and it'was her impression the Saratoga, Cox Avenue site was the most desirable location. She further commented that for 3 to 4 years she has been active in "Friends of the'Library", and..it seem~ like this issue fluctuates back and forth. It was her feeling the time to act is now, as the longer it'is postponed~ the further away it gets, and if the Counci'l doesn't intend to go with the Saratoga, Cox Avenue site, they should proceed with another site. Margaret Ulmer, 13004 Paseo Presada, commented she would 1,ike very much to see the Saratoga, Cox Avenue s'ite gothrough, and it wouldn't matter to her where the'-library was located on this piece of property.! With respect to the visibiHty element, Mrs. U~lmer commented that theOuito Librar~ has_no: visibility, but it is a verybusy~l~ibrary. As far'las ~ccess~e~n~'~ she felt this site was far superior to'the alternate site on Sara~6~'~'Avenue, and it was also easier for bicyclists to get to. Don Wilson, 20365 Kirkmont, Vice President of Northwest Saratoga Homeowners Association, indicated he was opposed to the alternate~site. He further commented that he felt the City~was close enough inits negotiations with the property owner that an agreement shoul~d be reached. G. Carlson, 12234 Brookglen D 've~ represe~i~gg'~G~i'e~ Homeo~n~s-'.~ Association, commented that he believes th~'~o~t~'On-of originally proposed is the one which they felt to be best, from the stand- point,of visibility and easy access. -He indicated he is very much opposed to the accessibili.ty factors at the.Sacred Heart location. Mr. Carlson 'indicated that'he has taken th~ opportunity to work with some census data, which he felt strongly ~upportS- the site as proposed. He p~oceeded to present this information on the overhead screen, concluding that the Saratoga, Cox Avenue site appears to have the best accessibility to the majority of people. Mr. Carlson commented that it seems apparent that there is a need for an alternate site proposal; however,'he. disa~rees very much with .the recommended alternative, as the acces~(f~,~'~6T~e ~llter~Ti~ui~b~p~roximately 1.1,O00-reSidents, as o~os~d to 18,000 at'the'~ro~o~ed ~ ~Eby~-Fe~{~ ~ar~_ ~f~ a~j'=~h~%~ 'by '~J~_~h]jd '~, one- hal f. Mr. Carlson indicated he felt the site on Cox Avenue and Highway 9 should be consider~ as an alternate location for the library. He recoanized the fact that the County Library Co~ission has not been in favor of t~is site, as the Cupertino Library is a. short distance down the road.' However, he indicated it was his opinion,~the people who"l'ive in Saratoga have a better understanding of the~'b~ca[~'~d~nd~e didn't f~el it would' be fair for the ' Council ~?arb].trariq~V-overr~de~.{~Eitizens of Saratoaa. 'He also comented that he doesn't remember the site adjacent to Sacred He~ C~Urc~ '~:gBei~ne of the most favorable locations in earlier c6hTidb~{ibnT~f ~h~it6. Mr. Kanne, 19918 Bonnie Ridge Drive, commented that he feels very strongly that the City should keep this alternate site on Saratoga Avenue open, as he felt it had advantages of its own; for instance, it is on a bus line and provides access from a number of areas. Charles Earl ey, 20098 Chateau Drive, commented that he would like to correct the~pe~k~epresenting Brookvi~ Homeowners Association, in that the Sacred Hea~'Ch~ site was never considered in any previous deliberations. Ite stated that the site was never discussedand it was never turned down. He also disputed this speaker's density calculations, indicating the entire left- hand side of this 11 acres is empty, and there is.no density-per-acre figure. Mr. Earley further ~o~ented that;$200,O00. O0 for this pieceof land to the rear of the SaratOga, Cox Avenue site isC~~b?ry", and we should take a good hard look at the suggested alterna~i~i:t~ -4- Jim Isaak, 18596 Martha Ave., commented he felt it was important to have a full-size facility~ and would be'h~sitant to accept anything less than ~0~0 sq~f~(~T~at.so commented that he agrees with"the Cou~cil's concer6 ~d~n'~'~f~t~e use of the land, ands.indicated that the City would have full control of the Sacred Heart land. He indicated that although he prefers the Cox AvenUe site for' personal reasons, he felt there are good reasons to consider the alternate site. .. John Campbell, member of the ~.City~[ibrary Conmission, commented that he recalls when the final.recommendation cam~ before the'C~ty Council for a site in the Cox Avenue area. 'It ~ashis feeling'the City's hands should not be tied to the extent Ithat they don't have the option to move a mile down the road in the same general area. He didn,t feelI this recommendation was intended to tie the City's hands to this specific corner, and the City Council should have the opportunity to'move in one'direction or the other, and if it happens to end up on a piece of Ci.ty-ow!ned property at half the price, this could be applied to a building of at least 20,000 square feet. Mr. Tatar, 20577~Man6r D~ive, speaking on behal~ of members of Saratoga Manor Homeowners Association, commented they would prefer the Saratoga, Cox Avenue Site; however, i~f it means substantial delays in building the library,~'~,r, nate site onSa~atoga Avenue would be agceptable. Charles Huff, 12725. Miller Avenue, addressed theCounci~l, commentinn that if it is felt the price for this proposed site 'is. too high, couldn'~ steps be taken to find out what the property is really worth. With respect to the site next to Sacred Heart~ Church, he commented that anyone riding a bike ' would have to ride a mile to this'location. He indicated he felt most parents would-allow their children to ride thei~ bicyclesup Cox Avenue to the site next to the creek; however, they would never allow them to ride down Saratoga Avenue. With regard to the size, M~. Huff commented that if it meant cutting from 20,000 square feet down to 12,000 or 15,000 square feet'to allow use of wood frame construction'as opposed'to concrete; he-would say "no". Mr. Huff further indicated when the 725 homes were canvassed atthe time of the Bond Election,'it was his opinion these people favored a site on Quito, right where the library is presently'located', even though this is a poor location visually,.as opposed to the Civic Center location. It was his feeling Dr. Abrams is negotiating on this property in good f~ith, and he feels the 'City should continue its negotiations with him. Frank Perdichizzi, 18904 Colby Court, commented that it seems to him the City is considering a site which'has not been discussed 'at any previous public hearings. He recalled tha~'the only sites ~6nsider~d w~re: 1) Saratoga, Cox Avenue; 2) Cox, Highway 9; and 3) Civic Center site. He further commented that when~he.assisted in the Library Bond Issue, he attempted to persuade people to vote in favor of the Bond .Issue, based on the Saratoga, Cox Avenue site location. It was his opinion ~hat if there is a breakdown innegotiations,'the ~ogic~l alternative would seem to be the Cox Avenue, Highway 9 site, since'this was~e s~avored location, and would serve more people. Helen Lemmon, 20653 Woodward Court, indicated she has not yet heard what size plot the City is talking about on Saratoga and Cox Avenues, and as she understands, the $~00,000.00 isfor the library itself~ She indicated she would like to have an 'idea of what the future cost of the library would be if it were to start construction in'the next 2 to 3 months. She indicated she would likb to see more realistic figures, and also, some alternatives,-~ based on building size. Maxine French, 19107 Vineyard Lane, commented that when Saratoga was first incorporated, the site adjacent to Sacred Heart was considered as geographically the center of' the area. She commented that.while she agrees there are a lot of people on the north side, she recalls when'she was working on the Bond Issue, people in the Sobey Road and Quito Road area had~ilndicated they would like to library located in this area. Ruth Angerer, 19606 Via Monte Drive, commented that she is concerned that the City get moving on this library. It was her feelingUiSt ~'~6'~'~a~97, regardless of location, if they really w~o~g~e. Larry Tyler, 13611 Saratoga VistaTAvenue, advised that last evening the County Library Commission held a special meeting; however, there was not a quorum at this meeting. It was'his impression, however, that the location opposite Paul Masson Winery would'be the nQmber one site location. 'However, the Commission di'd support the secondary,'location under consideration. Mr. Grundy, 19242 Gunther Court, indicated he voted for the Bond Issue believing it would be located on Saratoga and Cox Avenue. Barbara Ulmer addressed the Council with the following questions: 1) On the Master Plan for the City what was the designation of the Sacred Heart property? and 2) When the'~itizens voted on the Bond Issue, wasn't it made clear that the money was to go toward both the .land andsthe building? The City Manager replied that the General Plan indicates this land as a park site. In answer to the second question, he replied that it was specifically, indicated on the ballot that the money ($1,200,000) would qo toward the land, as well as the building construction. Mary ~4oss, 20777 Pamela Way, commented that in talking about children using ' the library, she thinks it should.be considered in the secondary location that there is a school adjacent to that site, and also, within walki'ng distance, while there isn't a school'within walkinn distance on the first site. (This statement was corrected, in that Congress Springs School and Brookview School are near'the Saratoga Ave., Cox A~e. site.) Mrs. Moss stated that when the Bond Issue was being considered and finally passed, she had thought the site was to be on Saratoga Avenue~on the front portion of the property, and now She understand~ it is to be moved to the rear. She wondered who 'would 'be ~esponsible for the roads going through this property and what would be the cost for this. Mr..Beyer replied that this is one of the elements of the negotiations, and also, the total package would come out of the library fund. Charles Huff asked if since the alternate.site is desionated ~s~"park land", would this necessitate holding public hearings, involving a lot of time and debates with respect to changing sites? Mayor Bridges replied that the Council would have to decide the process to be followed, if this-~alternate site is chosen. Lorretta Hill again addressed the Council, indicating that in November, 1974, the City received the initial appnaisal of the property proposed for the library site on Saratoga Avenue, opposite McFarland, and the City must have known at that time it couldn't afford this site. She wondered wh~ this site continued to be considered. The City Manager explained that at the time of the Bond Election, no decision had been made as to where the library would go, and'it was after the City had obtained the architect that the site alternatives were looked at in more detail. He indicated in November, there was only a "ball=parkfigure", and there had not yet been an analysis made. He further indicated the City was interested in getting the Bond Issue passed first before hiring an archi.tect and spending money,"n6t'~knowing if the Bond Issue would even pass. - 6- Mr. G. Carlson again addressed'the Council, stating.that'he feels~__'~r~e was ~a~'~t~indication by the people who have worked'to~,~ri~brary'~6 ~S~'tb~ that the most desirable alternate site would b'~the Cox Avenue, Highway 9 location. Ann Kulch n, 12440 Curry Ave.,~inquired as to how much time~'s actually being spent in negotiations, an~'~i~'~d~he would hope that the City would negotiate very intensely to.reach an understanding. She ~urther commented that this is an emotional',-as wel~.as political decision, and it is questionable whether as much interest would have been aroused has this been a floating bond issue. Mayor Bridges replied to the first question by indicating that negotiations are proceeding-as rapi'dly as possible, and the City is dependent to some extent on planners and other people during these negotiations. The City Manager explained that the problem is simply the fact that the two parties don't see eye-to-eye on certain matters. The question was asked if there was any possibility of a conflict or timing problem in the County system whiich would necessitate someone else coming in an building the facility. Barbara Campbell, County,Librarian, replied that the only timing consideration would be the termination of the present Qui~o,~lease, and they are hopeful to extend this lease in order to "dove tail"Cc~6mp~t~'~e new.facility. A resident of 19227 Gunter Court, asked if at the time the Bond Issue was passed, was it on the basis that ~he library would be built anywhere in the area, or with the particular Saratoga, Cox Avenue site in mind. He co~ented if it was bui3t ~ith this site i~n~mi,nd, the Council should feel an obligation to build it on this site. Councilman Brigham commented he would envision a'big problem in going beyond a fall bond sale, ~rimarily due to increased rate of interest, and this Mr. Swanson, 18999Saratoga Glen Place, commented that the Bond, Issue ha~ committed the City to build a really decent building for this'~ommunity. Also, he felt we have to'take'the land that gives us the' proper kind of building that w6~ld acco~odate our needs. Mrs. Ulmer commented that she would hate to see the City take'land that is co~itted for a park and use it for.a library, and she felt the City should think about the General Plan, as well as the library. It was then moved by Councilman Kraus and seconded b~ Councilman Brigham the public hearing be continued to a future(~un~d~The motion was carried. ~' ~ ~~ Councilman Matteoni commented that he would not feel comfortable without knowing there is an alternate plan to fall back on in the event negotiations are not successful. With respect to a fal.1 bond sale, he agreed that this ~]~antageous, and he doesn't want to'see the library monies continue ~6~'i~h~ He further co~en~ed that when the 25=member co~ittee was formulated, that co~ittee worked 'only on the bond issue and its passage, and this was prior to selecting a .site. He indicated he would~like to get o n with the business of building an adequate library faci~lity i'n Saratoga~ however, he feels it ~ important.to consider the best possible offer for the preferred site, and make this known to the public so they are aware what frame of reference the City is dealing with. Councilman Matteoni verified the fact that the City Council ha~ never co~itted itself to a "preferred site". - 7 - With regard to the concern about the remainder of this property, he indicated he is hesitant to make a broad'committment to the planning process at this point. Councilwoman Corr commented that the City is ~till trying to negotiate for what has been determined as ~he "preferred site", and she is' concerned about the future use of this land, particularly. as it relates to safety, and also, control of conjestion.. Councilman Brigham commented that he feels the committments the City makes is far more important than any site, and he would favor thinking about an alternate site if c~tain co~ittments cannot be satisfied. Councilman Kraus indicated he is 'concerned about commitifigSa future City Council to something that is going to happen. Also, he commented if the $1,200,000.00'is going to be eaten by by roads, parking? etc., this would limit the library facility~somewhat. He agreed that he would like to have an alternate site to fall back on. Mayor Bridges commented that the 20,000 square foot facility would relieve the crowded conditions existing'at the present ~acili~yand serve its functions in a better way. 'Also,. the Council ha~(~6~6~d~the Saratoga, Cox Avenue site. However,~ he'feels it ~s,jmporta~t~t~(~'~nizethat the impossible is the impos~'~:e. ~ ~ 'I ':Mayor Bridges 'commented that he appreciates the citizens' comments this evening, and now realizes there is another alternative site which should be considered. Therefore, the Council .is holding the public hearing open so there will be an opportunity for the citizens again to address the Council on this matter. III. BIDS AND CONTRACTS' A. 1975-76 ANNUAL STREET SEALING PROGRAM FOR VARIOUS CITY STREETS The City Manager indicated this is in follow up to the July 22nd Committee of the Whole Meeting, and the revised program would provide oil and screening for the entire length of Saratoga Avenue, and for the entire length of Allendale Avenue (see memorandum, dated July 24,.1975). Sho~ ~!~_.~.T~~18th, and the It was moved by Counci'lman Kraus and seconded by Councilman Brigham the 1975-Street Sealing Program be approved, as outlined in the Director of Public ~6~k~ memorandum, dated July 24, 1975. The motion was carried. IV. OTHER BUSINESS A. CONSIDERATION OF PROPOSED RESOLUTIONS TO BE SUBMITTED TO THE PENINSULA DIVISION, LEAGUE OF CALIFORNIA CI%IES RESOLUTION COMMITTEE The City Manager indicated the League has required that any resolutions must be submitted to the Resolutions Committee by August 6th. He indicated two resolutions have 'been developed by COuncilman Brigham and have been present~ for the Council's consideration. The Council discuss~ the resoluti'ons, which are entitled: l) Resolution Requesting that the State Legislature Provide Funds to Support Inter-City Rail Transit for Co~uters by Existing Local Lines to Retieve the Dependency on the Automobile; and 2) Resolution R~uesting that 'the State Legislature Take an Active Role in Providing Property ,Tax Relief {hrough Property Tax Reform, Especially by Providing for the Direct Reduction of Property Taxes through the Re-allocation oT Other Revenue Sources. -8- Mayor Bridges indicated he would like to see rewording in the first resolution to clarify use of existi.ng rail lines not presently being used to relieve dependency on the automobile, etc. Councilman Kraus indicated he felt the second resolution shouid specifi- cally clarify "other revenue sources", and it was suggested the following wording be added: " . to'be used by local government functions for expenditures normally funded by property tax." It was moved by Councilman Kraus ~d~seconded by Councilwoman Corr to forward these resolutions to the ~g~de of California Resolutions Committee as amended. Th~ motion was carried. (~.'~2 ' V. ADJOURNMENT It was moved by Councilman Brigham and seconded by Councilwoman Corr the meeting be adjourned to'and'Executive Session. to discuss personnel matters. The motion was carried. The meeting was adjourned at lO:25'P.M. spectf mitted, c _ 9-