HomeMy WebLinkAbout11-19-1975 City Council Minutes , 4~
MINUTES
SARATOGA CITY COUNCIL
.TIME: Wednesday, November 19, 1935 - 7:30 P.M.
PLACE: Saratoga City Council Chambers, 13777 Fruitvale Ave., Saratoga, California
TYPE: Regular Meeting
I. ORGANIZATION ;
A. ROLL CALL
Present: Councilmen Brigham, Corr, Matteoni, Bridges
Absent: Councilman Kraus
B. MINUTES
It was moved by Councilman Brigham an'd seconded by.Councilwoman Corr the
minutes~bf'.O~'tqber 29, 1975 be approved, and the reading waived. The motion
was carried.
II. CONSENT CALENDAR
A. COMPOSITION OF CONSENT CALENDAR
B. ITEMS FOR CONSENT CALENDAR
1. Approval of Final Map and Executign of Building Site Approval Agreement
a) SDR-1205 Santos Aparicio, Sobey Road, 1 Lot
b) SDR-1210 Jerry Jordan, Saratoga Hills Road, 1 Lot
2. Approval of Deferred Improvement Agreement in Exchange for Improvement
Bond (SDR-731, Sacred Heart Church)
3. Payment of Claims
4': City Clerk's Financial Report
5. City Treasurer's Report
It was moved by Councilman Brigham and seconded by Councilwoman Corr the
Consent Calendar be approved. The motion was carried.
III. BIDS AND CONTRACTS
A. AGREEMENT BETWEEN SANTA CLARA VALLEY ~MPLOYMENT AND TRAININC~ BOARD AND CITY OF
SARATOGA FOR SUBGRANT UNDER CETA TITLE VI PUBLIC SERVICE EMPLOYMENT PROGRAM
It was moved by Councilman Brig!ham and seconded by Councilman Matteoni the
Mayor be authorized to execute the contract. The motion was carried.
IV. PETITIONS,'ORDIHANCES AND RESOLUTIONS
A~ PETITION FROM NORTHWEST HOMEOWNERS ASSOCIATION REQUESTING LEFT-TURN LANE ON
PROSPECT ROAD FOR WESTBOUND TRAFFIC TURNING ONTO COVINA COURT, AND ERECTION
OF STOP SIGNS AT THE FOLLOWINr~ INTERSECTIONS:
= 1) Four-Way Stop at Covina and .Merida ~
2) Southbound Lanes on Kirkbrook at KnollWood
3) Northbound Lanes on Desanka at Knollwood
This matter was referred to the Public Works staff for a report back to the
Council in 45 to 60 days (January 7theMeeting).
B. QUITO ROAD WALKWAY BETWEEN BUCKNALL R6AD AND NORTHERLY CITY LIMITS (Cont'd. 7/2/75)
(Not being 8:00 P.M., the Council proceeded to Item VII, ADMINISTRATIVE MATTERS)
VII. ADMINISTRATIVE MATTERS
A. MAYOR
B. COUNCIL AND COMMISSION REPORTS
1. Planning Commission -~n'~_'_~_'.D~rector reported American Indian Council
is ~onsi~ering withdrawing their reguest for Indian
encampment for Bicentennial Celebration as a result
of recent threats received. Further indicated that
the Planning Commission at their last meeting took
action to approve sending a letter to the Indian
Council indicating the Commission's unhappiness with
this incident, and encouraging them to continue with
their application.
It was then moved by Councilman Brigham and seconded.
by Councilwoman Corr the City Council concur in such
a letter. The motion was carried.
2. Councilwoman Corr - Inquired about the procedure for selecting an alternate
for County Needs Assessment Advisory Committee. Mayor
advised the City Manager would direct a letter to
Mr. House. l~i~hairman of the Inter-City Council,
inquiring about this.
3. Councilman Brigham - Reported that there is a proposal to P.P.C. from
LAFCO tore-design the urban service area boundaries
to some extent, and a report would be coming back
to the Council on this matter in the near future.
C. DEPARTMENT HEADS AND OFFICERS
D. CITY MANAGER
1. Reported that Green Valley Disposal Company is reguesting a rate in-
crease to $2.25 first-can service, and $1.40 each additional can, to
become effective January 1, 1976. He indicated this would be age~dized
for the ~6~r'F~l~'r'C6~il'~M~i~i~ D~'c'~mber-.
Also announced there would be.a second pick-up for the Fall Clean-Up
~rash collection on December 5th for those people who called the City
Office and left their name. Mayor Bridges suggested there be a notice
placed in the newspaper that the City will be taking names for this
second trash pick-up.
2. Proposed Human Service Area Boundaries - Council indicated its support
of Human Service Planning Area No. 3, serving Saratoga, Monte Sereno,
LOs Gatos and the unincorporated pockets, and to communicate with the
County regarding acceptance of these boundaries.
3. Council Chambers Recording System - The City Manager presented a verbal
report substantiating the need for this system, indicatine that the cost
for such a system ($1,500.00)'would be obtain~dTb~hif'ti~g of some funds
in the Administration and Planning Commission bu~tST''y
VI.-~UBLIC HEARINGS
A. CONSIDERATION OF PROPOSED CHANGE OF ZONING FOR BLACKWELL HOMES (PARKER RANCH)
PROSPECT AND STELLING ROADS, FROM "R-1-40,O00" (SINGLE-FAMILY RESIDENTIAL)
AND "A" (AGRICULTURE) TO "R:l-40,O00 PC" (SINGLE-FAMILY RESIDENTIAL, PLANNED
COMMUNITY) (Cont'd. 8/6; 8/26, lO/1, 11/5)
-2-
PaCker Ranch Rezoning (Cont'd.)
The Mayor brought to the Council's attention items of correspondence related
to this matter from:
Russell L. Crowther, Arguello Homeowners Association (3 letters).
The Mayor then re~opened the public hearing at 8:12 P.M.
Russell Crowther, 20788 Norada court, addressed the Council, commenting that
over the past few months the Arguello Homeowners Association has Voiced their
concerns regarding(~'~e_~_n_'d.~ased flooding that will be caused by the develop-
ment of the Parker Ranch. He indicated there is also concern that the mitigation
plans seem to be directed primari'ly toward problems on Norada Court, and there
seems to be more of a problem in other areas. Also, he commented that the re-
zoning will result in a higher density than is desirable on this site.
Mr. CroWther .then introduced a letter Which included .~h6~ph~'of some of
the flooding which has taken ~lace on Ritanna Court. He't~'~oceeded to read
this 1 etter~~'~d ~ .' ~'~'[~1 ~0~40T~h'~~'t~d~N~Yl'9,
.Cf~7'5~'~i~ I~tTer 'Ha~ b~n-~de' a'~t 6f~t~'fi l~'i'n'thi's matter~ ~ Mr. C~6~ther
~dica~ed '~h~:~d Mrs. McLaughlin were unable to be present this evening;
however, they had asked that he present their letter to the Council.
Mr. Crowther indicated he felt,this is just one problem in this area, and many
of the mi ti gating ;~ ~ a~ ~h~' :hTvT~_,~_en,~T~r,~0~~{"~~S6'f these
problems. He indicated'h~ is also ~oncer~6a'~h'~{~ff~ ~robleTof~run-bff has been
under-estimated, and the fact that '20D trees with a 12-inch or greater diameter
will be cut. He then read a section from Ordinance 38.26, which is the City's
tree ordinance, which he felt approaches on some of his concerns:
"The wanton destruction of trees aids in injuring the scenic beauty of
the City; causes erosion of top soil, creates flood hazard and risk
of landslides, reduces property values, increases the cost ofcon-
struction and maintenance of draining systems through the increased
flow and diversion of surface waters, and eliminates oneof the prime
oxygen producers in this area."
Mr. Crowther commented that he felt the cutting of these trees in this area
would have a very large impact; and' that this has not been mitigated in the
planning and development of .this project.
At the request'of Councilman Matteo~i, Mr. Crowthen then pointed out on the
overhead map the lacation of Mr. McLaughlin's home on Ritanna Court in relation
to Calabazas Creek. He further mentioned that there is also a new house being
built b~tween!.the 'creek bed and Norad6 Court that he is somewhat concerned
about, in that it doesn't look likeit is 7 feet above the creek bottom.
Councilman Matteoni asked if he was concerned about the increased water run-off
down Calabazas from this project, and the diversion from Prospect Creek back
into Calabazas Creek.
Mr. Crowther agreed wi~h this, and commented that he felt the run-off would be
increased all through this area into Calabazas, a~d also into Prospect Creek.
Also, he indicated. that there is a.box culvert runn~'ng right at the top (during
heavy rains last winter), and he was concerned ~ha~ the entire Blue Hills area
would be flooded. He commented that the 7% increase in flow which has been
estimated will overflow ~hat area a!so. He indicated also, that he was con-
cerned this development would set a precident for people who wanted to develop
the lands up in the Mt. Eden area and perhaps_othEr areas as well. Mr. Crowther
indicated he felt the immediate runToff,~.~.res~lt.*of the Parker Ranch develop-
ment is going to cause all sorts of problems, and that'millions of dollars in
damages would result with this development as it is proposed.
Mr. Dick Hathaway; representing the:Northwest Saratoga Homeowners Association,
addressed the Council and indicated they have been folloWing this issue through
the news media, etc.; however, it is difficult to follow it is every aspect in
order to be able to draw specific conclusions on one matter or the other. He
further commented that a meeting was held in September in which a representative
of the City (Don Burt) was invited;:however, he felt the City's representative
failed to convince the homeowners a~sociation that there is a need for a higher
- 3 -
Parker Ranch Re~oning (Cont'd. '
density development in this area. Mr. Hathaway indicated the Northwest Saratooa
Homeowners Association has held several meetings thereafter, and would support'
the Arguello Homeowners Association's position regarding their great concern
with respect to the development of this land, and also, their concerns with
regard to the impact to adjacent lands.
Mr. Heiss, Civil Engineer for Blackwell Homes, commented that it is apparent
that there is an existing continuing problem with"Calabazas Creek; however,
he felt the problems related to the Parker Ranch development are the result
of the tremendous amount of silt that has built up d6~'~S~un-Of~ ffo~.~hTentire
~ ~e~"~i ~Tn{o' C~l ab~s '~ee~. T~e~nd i~C~d~t i t i ses ti~a{ed the
increase as far as Calabaza~ Creek has been figured to be less than 1-percent.
He further mentioned that the flooding which has occurred along Arroyo de
Arguelifo was because of a private storm drain which was not~designed to handle
this amount of water. With regard to Calabazas Creek, Mr. Heiss pointed out
t ~t the Santa County
tk~s'. C!ara Water D~strict would~be responsible for. maintaining
With regard to proposed tree removal in this project, Mr. Heiss commented that
this development has the distinction of being quite large, and therefore, the
statistics are also large. He indicated this averages out to approximately
2 trees per home, which he does not feel is excessive, or less than 5 percent
of the total trees with a 12-inch or less diameter.
John Weir, 12343 Arroyo de Arguello, addressed the Council, commenting with
regard to the flooding problem; He. indicated that something which was brought
up in the E.I.R. is the fact that water would be running down th~se hills
because it is.no longer being slowed down by culverts. He further commented
this will result in a 1 percent increase in the Calabazas Creek, but a very
serious condition with the culverts at their capacity. Mr. Weir commented
that in listening to Mr. Heiss's comments, it is his impression that Mr. Heiss
doesn't know what the flow or the capacity of the creek is; therefore, how does
he know this will only result in 1 percent increase?
Mr. Weir further commented that he thinks it should also be considered that
there was a notice in the newspaper 2 to 3 weeks ago that the Fremont High
School property is going to be put up for sale, and this could result in the
addition of a considerable amount of water into the Prospect and Calabazas
Creeks.
Mr. Crowther again addressed the Council and advised that Mr~ McLaughlin has
built a 2½-foot retaining wall which is concrete reinforced beyond his house,
and this was constructed at the request of the Flood Control District. He
indicated that during a heavy storm last winter, the wall was moved approxi-
mately 4 feet, and the Flood Control District dredges the creek each year to
prevent even more serious problems. He further indicated that Prospect Creek
empties into Calabazas Creek before the water reaches Ritanna Court. Mr.
Crowther further stated he has a great deal of trouble with the 150,000 cubic
yards of cut and fill, as well as the large amount of trees being removed. He
indicated he is also concerned with the higher velocity in which the water
will be traveling along these hills, and he felt the erosion problem would be
more serious than anticipated.
Mr. Crowther commented that in his letter dated November 15th, there were a
couple of questions and concerns regarding this development, and indicated he,
as well as several other Saratoga citizens, would very much appreciate an
answer to these questions.
Mayor Bridges pointed out that these questions are exactly the same as those
placed in many previous instances by Mr. Crowther, and he feels they have been
answered to the Council and Planning Commission's satisfaction. He indicated
he feels some of these are not questions,-but statements of Mr. Crowther's
position, and he is,'therefore, at a loss to instruct staff to spend further
time in answering these. He asked that Mr. Crowther submit those questions he
feels he has not received an answer to, and in which there are not editorial
comments, he could address these questions to the Mayor personally, he would
try to obtain the answers himself".
-4--
Parker Ranch Rezoning (Cont'd.)
Mr. Crowther indicated he is particularl~ concerned about questions 3 and
4 of his letter of November 15th.
Mayor Bridges indicated that he believes the minutes of the 0ctob~r 1st meeting
clearly state that the Council did not deal at that time with the rezoning issue,
not due to the fact that the PC Ordinance was not developed, but rather, that
the property was already consistent with the General Plan. He further indicated
that the City Attorney at that'meeting andin Mr. Crowther's presence stated that
the present zoning was consistent with the General Plan, and there was no need
to persue the matter of what the density would be at this particular time.
The ~i~v_~t~qr_qn~y_~Spo_~D_nde_d' tg_qu~_e~on 4~0f Mr._Crowther~ 1.~t~r, Which a~ks:
"If~he. _Development! Pl an -~F~TtO~fol 1 o~T(~ ~(~%~'~'n wab t~T~ffi-~i'~6" ~f
~ir~m~nt~'i~ beSmBd~ ~nj~th~ Noti:aec6f b~te~]~n~ti~n~ite~'' He"'s~ated
~h~t~t~'~PC~Z6~'i=~g~0rdi6~('~'~YS~at th~= ~prova~ of a site development plan
is by the Planning Commi'ssion, and in this particular case, the site development
plan was approved by the Planning Co~ission a long time ago. Therefore, the
site development plan for the purpose of PC has already been approved. He further
indicated that once the Council decides to either approve and adopt the rezoning
or. not t6~. rezone, at that time under the E.I.R., the Notice of Dete~ination is
to be filed.
Councilman Matteoni suggested that perhaps there is another vehicle by which to
answer these questions, and indicated that there was a workshop approximately-
one week ago with the Cduncil and Planning Co~ission, at which time they began
totouch upon the staff report which was adopted by the Planning Co~ission with
all the conditions which they would attach to their reco~endation on granting
a rezoning. He felt that the Council was just starting to understand these
conditions and how they may or may not require further attention, and also,
many concerns were addressed regarding'mitigating'circumstances, etc., and
indicated he would like, before taking any action on the application itself,
have a total understanding of that staff report, by.way of a discussion between
the Plannfng Commission and City Council, and this might provide the best
vehicle in trying to sort these questi'ons out one final time.
Mr. Crowther commented that they have a number of questions, particularly with
regard to financial responsibility, which they do not find in these conditions,
and would like to see this added.
Mr. Fryer, Saratoga Hills Road, addressed the Council and asked if Mr. Crowther
might provide information on what percentage run-off has been increased by his
tract, with 4 houses per acre, and here we are talking about 1 house per 2 acres.
He indicated it seems to be rather extr~e to be talking about a 2 percent
increase in the creek.
Pat Hunter, 20846 Meadow Oak Road, addressed the Council and indicated that
she is very concerned about the vehicle aspect, as wel'l as the flooding. She
continued that as a taxpayer, whatever is projected for the city, they suffer
and pay the increased taxes because the Council may'have "goofed" in its decision.
She indicated that another concern is assuming that everyone attending the
meetings understand what is going on.
Mayor Bridges commented that the Council is always glad to answer any questions
that come up on any issue.
Mrs. Hunter further co~ented that if one doesn't live in a certain area, he
probably isn't aware of the water that rushes through, and every .year the wash-
out increases, and you either put a cement bank up, out of your own pocket, or
you get flooded out.
Councilman Matteoni indicated he would like to have one other public hearing on
this to focus on discussing publically all the concerns which have been raised
relevant to the Planning Commission's approval of the project. He indicated as
he Onderstands it, the Co~ission has recommended only that the overall zoning
concept be applied, and there is a great deal more Work to be done until the plan
is further approv~ and can be developed.
- 5-
Parker Ranch Rezoning (Cont'd.)
Councilwoman Corr commented that she has some quesitons in her mind about the
part of the property that is in the Williamson Act, and how this affects the
Council's decision oh the rezoning.'
Mayor Bridges agreed that this is a concern of his, and felt that the workshop
would be good to look at th~ls,'.~s well as other specific issues. He suggested
scheduling a workshop ~ith the Planning Co-mission on D~cember 9th, and the
City Attorney also be present, to specifically address the matter of the
Williamson Act, as well as the conditions contained in the staff report referred
to earlier by Councilman Matteoni.
This was agreeable to .the Council, and it was then moved bv Councilman Brigham
and seconded bv Councilman Matteoni to continue the oublic~ hearing to December 17th,
-~faTl] ~ww~'~S ~:.'~'d~'h~'T&~A~6;~m~e~"w] ~h~ ~ P l~ni ~ '~6~i ~. ~6~ ~i't~" ' ' -.
~A~'6~e~. '~e:mati6~'~as~F~a~ni:mouslg. - ........ "-'- -~- .'
B. AN ORDINANCE OF THE CITY OF SARATOGA AMENDING ORDINANCE NS-3, THE ZONING
ORDINANCE, BY AMENDING SECTION 1.5 AND ARTICLE 15 THEREOF RELATING TO NON-
CONFORMING USES AND STRUCTURES, THEIR DEFINITIONS, CONTINUATION AND TERMIN-
ATION AND AMENDING SECTION 18.4 RELATING TO PUBLIC HEARINGS, AND 18.11 RELATING
TO CONDITIONAL RECLASSIFICATION'(Cont'd. 10/21, 11/5)
The Mayor re-opened the public hearing at 9:44 P.M.
Hank Ferber, 20470 Fourth Street, addressed the Counci'l and indicated he hadTM
some very specific questions on this matter which he would like to see clearly
reflected in the Council minutes, as ~ell as the specific answers to these
questions.
MF. Ferber indicated that the proposed amendment to Article 15, as well as the
article itself, seems to be somewhat ambiguous, and they find it difficult to
read over and see how it applies to their own homes, and this particular area,
the Mary Springer tract, -has;?for the most part, non-conforming sites with non-
conforming residences.
Mr. Ferber continued that Section 14.3 itself does require a minimum width in
side and rear yards for non-conforming sites, and he asked if this means that
any one of their houses sitting next to the property line, even though it was
put in during the 1940's before the incorporation of the City, and if these
non-conforming residences and structures on these non-conforming sites would be
subject to elimination without any recourse by the property owners.
Mr. Johnston, City Attorney, replied that he.didn't feel the addition of that
which was put into the ordinance two weeks ago was necessary, but since there
seemed to be a feeling that this was unclear, it didn't hurt to put it in. He
indicated that the basic section relating to the elimination of uses and structures
- ' ' i
conforming structures n Js i others relate to
non-conforming uses, even sub-section (f), and this relates to a non-conforming
use in a non-conforming structure. 'Sub-section (e) provides, as it did before,
that a non-conforming structure with a valuation of $500 or less is to be re-
moved within a certain period of time, and this is not aimed at homes, but
little shacks and old side-buildings, etc. Therefore, none of these provisions
for elimination relate to a home inan "R'~ district, because this is a conforming
use, and the only way the structure'could be non-conforming wouldbe because of
side, rear or front yards, etc., but there is no pro~i~i~'ijn:thi~O~dinance
requiring the removal of any such non-conforming structUr6, unless it is worth
$500 or less.
Mr. Ferber then presented some examples (posters), the.first exhibiting a house
toward the front of ~ lot (non-conforming lot), with a 3-foot clearance between
the edge of the home and the property line. He asked if this would be con-
sidered a non-conforming structure.
Mr. Johnston replied that i t would be considered non-conformi ng.
-6-
Ordinance NS-3s32 (Cont'd.)
Mr. Ferber asked if under the ordinance as it stands or as it is amended,
this structure would be subject to removal.
Mr. Johnston replied: "No, unless it burned down, or unless it was worth
less than $500."
Mayor Bridgesinquired what would be the conditions for. re-building the structure
if it did burn down.
Mr. Johnston replied this would remain the same as before . . . 50 percent or
less, you could re-build; over 50 percent, you would have to conform to 14.3,
which says that you must have certain minimum side~yard a~dcfront-yard setbacks,
even though it is a non-conf6rming 'site. He further pointed out the conditions
are no different in this ordinance .than they have been since 1961.
Mr. Ferber then asked how an addition to a house would be affected, and what
conditions would then have to apply, and would it be prohibited to have this
upgrade or addition.
Mr. Johnston' replied that this ordinance doesn't change this regdlation, which
is the same as those in 1961, and state that you cannot increase the dis-
crepancy
Mr. Ferber indicated that Example No. 2 shows a'house with an attached garage,
which garage is 1 foot from the property line. He asked if this garage were
valued at less than $500 and was attached to the house, would this be subject
to removal?
Mr. Johnston replied that it would.not if it was attached.
Mr. Van Duyn pointed out this is included under ,the Definitions as a part of
the principal structure or principal coverage.
Mr. Ferber commented he is not sur~ what would be worth $500 in value, and
once you put a slab down, this is worth about $1,000.
Mr. Johnston pointed out this relates to assessed value, and the theory is to
eliminate shacks and outbuildings, etc. that are encroaching on side, rear"or
front yards. He further indicated]that this provision is not something new,
but is identical to the 1961 Ordinance.
Mr. Ferber then presented a third example in which a house is centered on a
lot with all setback requirements being met, and there is an outbuilding in
back which is within 1 foot of the rear property line, and he asked how this
would be affected.
Mr. Johnston replied that if the assessor has this structure assessed at less
than $500, then it has to conform to the side-yard setbacks -- otherwise,
nothing is done with it, unless it burns down or is abandoned.
Mr. Van Duyn, Planning Director, further commented that in the case of an out-
building such as described, this wouldn't be prohibited from maintaining in
order to bring this up to a value over $500 or more.
Margaret Sherill, 14290 Paul Avenue, addressed the Council and asked the date
of Saratoga's incorporation.
The City Attorney replied that it was October, 1956.
Mrs. Sherill then asked when the Zoning Ordinance was effective.
Mr. Johnston replied that the Zoning Ordinance was adopted the day after the
City's incorporation, and in 1961, the City adopted NS-3.
- 7-
Ordinance NS-3-32 (Cont'd.)
Mrs. Sherill then asked if the original Zoning Ordinance contained all of the
same regu l ati ons as ~i n ~ h~h'(~3~7~"..'"
Mr. Johnston replied that it contained all of the provisions of the Santa Clara
County Zoning Code, whi.ch are very similar to the ones existing in NS-3.
Mrs. Sherill commented that the area which she and the homeowners association
represents is an old area, which possibly was the first subdivision that came
into Saratoga, and it was before Santa Clara County had its ordinance. She
asked if this proposed ordinance would be applied retroactively.
Mr. Johnston explained that the purpose of a non-conforming use ordinance is
that it apply to existing conditions, and this would also apply retroactively.
However, he indicated this doesn't mean elimination of non-conforming structures
in a residential zone. He indicated that if there is a non-conforming structure
which is burned down or eliminated by an Act of God~ it must be re-built to com-
ply with present setback requirements, etc.
Mrs. Sherill asked if this was saying that any home~that existed in Saratoga,
even before the County had'an ordinance, is a non-conforming use because it ~c
sits on a property line.·
Mayor B~idges explained that jus~ b~cau~e the structure is non-conforming does
not necessarily ~an it ,ts_!~legal.' He continued that as long as it it=used
· as a residence~'i.t~6~l:d r~mai'n. However, if there is a catastrophe that takes
the structure do~nT(h~i~'~outd b~ required to be rebuilt in accordance with
the Ordinance reguirements.
M~s. Sherill commented that she is concerned about future interpretations of
this ordinance, and she would like to see somethine in the minutes to indicate
~'~t~at'~'~"s io~i~n tO e~iminate these ~t~uctures. She then proceeded
'~6'~ead ~"p6rtibn ~f S~ctfoh'15~l o~ the proposed Ordinance, and asked: "How
are you going to bring these non-conforming structures up to district regu-
lations when they are too close to the property line?"
Councilman Matteoni again explained that only when the structure has an
assessed valuation'of $500 or less would it fall into this category. He
further pointed out that he felt Section 14.3 of the Zoning Ordinance would
recognize those concerns Mrs. Sherill[mentioned.
Mrs. Sherill indicated that she is concerned with regard to this $500 assessed
valuation figure, and commented that some of these homes existed so long ago
that it is possible they had a very low assessed valuation at one time, and
then somewhere along the line, these. places became non-conforming. She as ked
if these structures would now be bulldozed.
Mayor Bridges replied that there is. nothing in this ordinance which would permit
this or propose this, and it is hard to imagine any dwelling unit that has ever
been worth less than $500. He further commented that the $500 figure is necessary
to be in the ordinance to protect the health and welfare of the community.
Councilwoman Corr indicated it was her understanding the only time an accessa~V
structure might fall under this $500 valuation is tf it were allowed to become
completely run down or abandoned to a condition of non-repair, and felt if it
is being used and kept as alittle dwelling, there isn't any Question.
Councilman Matteoni suggested in adopting this ordinance,~'~6~i~'.'b~/stated'st'
that it is not the Council's intention to apply the new amend~e~ differe~{l~"
than in the prior ordinance on non-c~nforming dwellings or non-conforming sites.
Florence Eschler, 14339 Paul Avenue, then addressed the Council indicating that
she would like to reco~end to the Council use of wording in the proposed
ordinance similar to that of Milpitas' non-conforming use ordinance, and she
felt this ordinance addressed very specifically the problem-she felt Saratoga
has, which is interpretation by the people.
- 8-
Ordinance NS-3-32 (Cont'd.)
Mayor Bridges, as w~ll as other members of the Council, commented that they
felt Milpitas' ordinance was much more d~scretionary than Saratoga's.
Mrs. Es~hler commented that~thei~ O~in~nCe'~'~oTs~y'tTat'T~e 'De6pl~ W~'d-~
,-no~'~e ~e~d~ ~h~"~'~ ~n3oy 'the 'rights and' pri~i!l~s'due' to lbt-restri~dns
The City Attorney indicated he has talked to Jack Goodman, City Attorne~ for
Milpitas, and one of their problems is that they r'estrict. i~ ~'16~(~'~'ord~
and if you happen to have a site by meets and bounds, you'are i~ig ~r'ouSie'
in Milpitas. He indicated that their ordiinance only refers to lots, and Saratoga's
ordinance provides for any s.ite, whe'theF it is shown by a Deed, Contract of Sale,
Subdivision Map, Record of Survey~ etc., and therefore,' we have more latitude than
does iMi~pitas.
It was then moved by Councilman Brigham and seconded by Council.woman Corr the
public hearing be closed.' The motion was carried. The public hearing was
closed at 10:15 P.M.
Councilman Matteoni commented that the purpose of Section 14.3 is to accomplish
the wording Mrs. Eschler was agreeing with for Milpitas, and did not feel any
re-drafting of this ordinance was necessary.
It was then moved by Mayor Bridges ahd seconded by Councilwoman Corr Ordinance
Councilwoman Corr Con~nented that she is interested in historical sites in
Saratoga, and suggested that some of the people in th~s area communicate with
the Historical Society with regard to some of these old houses.
A. ~R[TTEN
1. Ann Miller, 20745 Ashley ~ay, expressing thoughts on the library site
issue. - Noted and filed~ City M~nager to respond.
2. Copy of a letter to the Santa Clara County Library Commission from
Mrs. Ratricia Mosher, 16350 Ridgecrest Ave., Monte Sereno, expressing
opposition toSaratoga-Sunnyvale Road, Cox Avenue site. - Noted and filed~
City Manager to respond.
3. David A. Cooling, Headmaster, Saint Andrew'~ School~ 13601 Saratoga Ave.,
supporting a library site close to both Sacred Heart School and Saint Andrews
School. - Noted and filed~ City ~anager to respond.
4. Russell L. Crowther, Arguello Homeowners Association, encouraging a "Long-
term comprehensive plan be developed and implemented" in Saratoga with
regard to hillside development. - Noted and fil~d~ City Manager to respond.
S. John ~eir and Russell Crowther, Arguello Homeo~ners Association, concerning
their thoughts on Geologic Consultant for City of Saratoga. - Noted~-letter
to be taken under advisement.
6. ~ols~?~e~ltgrs,.~361 ~_~r~gga~S_~u.~yvale Road, concerning ~heir thoughts
~ o~ boss i bl e'.ff~u~ing. ~'h~age~ ;~.~Noted' and fi led.
7. Petition f~om 17 residents of Saratoga requesting the immediate selection
and ra~i~ica~ion of a city-owned site fop the building of library ~n the
.. City of Saratoga. - Noted and filed~ City ~anagep ~o respond.
8. Copy of a petition ~o ~he County Board o~ Supervisors asking ~h~ ~o
imm~i a~ely ratify a city-owned si te for ~he building of a library i n
Saratoga ~pom the A.A.U.W., Los Ga~os-Sara~oga Branch. E- Not~ and
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9. Arthur Anderson, 21150 Ambric Knolls, requesting extension of his Building
Site Approval for property on Sobey Road. - Due to the fact Dr. Anderson's
TentatiVeSite Approval has already expired, it was indicated he had no
basis on which to receive an extension; therefore, the Council denied this
request.
I0. John Weir and Russel'l Crowther,~Arguello Homeownlers,Association, urging
the Council to ~ot approve the proposed Parker Ranch rezoning to "Planned
Community", and the associated development plan. - NOted and filed.
11. Judith Corliss, ~resideHt,' League of Women Voters, Los Gatos-Saratoga,
expressing concern over the new policy of charging for City Council agendas
and packets. - City Manager to respond and indicate the Council's golicy
in this regard,'and also, mention the fact that Councilwoman Corr is working
to help establish guidelines fo~ allowing this and other similar~type groups
to continue receiving the agendas and a. packet at no charge.
12. Richardt~Snow, Jr., Attorney representing Mr. and Mrs. Snow and Mr: and Mrs.
Canote, Harleigh Drive, requesting the City vacate the easement over their'.~ "'.
respective properties for the e~tension of Harleigh Drive, along with a
petition from 91 residents of that area supporting ~he vacation of the
easement at the end'of Harleigh Drive. - Referred to the staff for a renort
back at the next regular meeting.
13. Petition from ~esiden~s in the Pierce Road area, requesting the installation
of a landscaped traffic barrier between the end of the service road behind
Argonaut-Safeway Shopping Center and the end of Pierce Road. - Referred to
staff for a report back at the December 17th regular meeting.
14. John Weir and Russell Crowther, Arguello Homeowners Association, supporting
the League of Women Voters' conclusions regarding.the ilntent of the 1974
General Plan. - Noted and filed.
15. John Weir and Russell Crowther, Arguello Homeowners Association, regarding
questions concerning Parker Ranch. - Noted and filed; Ci.ty Manager to respond.
B. ORAL
The Mayor acknowledged the presence.of public group representatives in the
audience, as follows:
Dorothy Parker, Good Government Group; April Barrett, LeagUe of
Women Voters; John Weir, Arguello Homeowners Association;
Nat Abrams, Pride's Crossing Homeowners Association; John Powers,
Quito Merchants' Association; and Hank Ferber, Old Village Home-
owners Association.
IX. ADJOURNMENT
It was moved by Councilman Brigham and seconded by Councilwoman Corr the meeting
be adjourned to an Executive Session. The motion was carried. The meeting was
adjourned at 10:50 P.M.
spectf . submitted,
Rob
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