HomeMy WebLinkAbout05-05-1976 City Council Minutes MINUTES
SARATOGA C~TY COUNCIL
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TIME: Wedn a May 5, 1976 - 7:30 P.M.
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PLKCE: Saratoga City Council Chambers, 13777 Fruitvale Ave., Saratoga, California
TYPE: Regular Meeting
.I. ORGANIZATION
A. ROLL CALL
Present: Councilmen Brigham, Corr, Kraus, Matteoni; Bridges
Absent: None
B. MINUTES
It was moved by Councilman Brigha~ and seconded by Councilman Kraus the
minutes of April 21, 1976, be approved and the reading be waived. The
motion was carried.
II. CONSENT CALENDAR
A. COMPOSITION OF CONSENT CALENDAR
It was moved'by Councilman Brigham and seconded by Councilman Kraus the
Consent Calepdar composition be approved. The motion was carried.
B. ITEMS FOR CONSENT CALENDAR
1. Final Acceptance
a) Tract 4572, Brown and Kauffmann, Miller ~ve.
b) Tract 4575, Brown and Kauffmann, Brockton Lane
2. Payment of Claims
3. City Clerk's Financial Report
It was moved by Councilman Kraus and seconded by Councilman Brigham the
Consent Calendar be approved. The motion was carried.
III. BIDS AND CONTRACTS
A. Change Order to Saratoga-S~nyvale Road Median Landscape Contract (Electrical
Work)
It was moved by Councilman Kraus and seconded by Councilman Brigham Change
Order No. 2 for the amount of $1,222.00 be approved. The motion was carried.
B. Agreement Between the City of Saratoga and the Property Owners of Village
Parking District No. 2 (Conttd~ 3/17, 3/23, 4/7, 4/27)
It was agreed to continue this matter to a Committee of the Whole Meeting
on Tuesday, Nay llth, at which time the ~vo proposed amendments by Security
Pacific Bank would be further discussed. These amendments are as follows:
l) If the private spaces are'conveyed to the City or Parking
District at some future time, they would be allowed the
ratio of the Parking District for building, rather than the
Ordinance ratio. Agreeable ,to adding the words "I~ they
......... ~edi~ate"~and~:!'if-the:~CityTaccepts~sai~ dedication"~ ......
2) If in the future, the City should abandon the Parking District
for the purposes for which it is formed, the property be reverted
back to the property owners.
C. Cooperative Agreement for Bri"dge Construction'on Pollard Road at San Tomas
Creek - Cities of Saratoga, Campbell, Town of Los Gatos, and Santa Clara
Valley Water District
The City Manager advised that the'-.City's share'of this project would be
approximately 26.85%, or $37,600.
It was moved by Councilman Kraus and seconded by Councilman Brigham the
Mayor be authorized toexecute the agreement. The motion was carried.
D.Authorization to Advertise for Bids for Demolition of Drying Sheds and
Removal of Concrete on Library Sit_e
It was moved by Councilman Kraus and seconded by. Councilman Brigham the
staff be authorized to advertise for bids for this project. The motion
was carried.
IV. ~ETITIONS, ORDINANCES AND RESOLUTIONS
A. RESOLUTION NO. MV-112
Resolution Establishin~ a Stop Intersection at Woodmont Drive and Chateau Drive
Mr. Shook, Director of Pub]3c Works, explained that the proposed resolution
i ndi cates ~l~l~y~p~ ~ ~'T~'~i~r~i6~ T6~']~W~odmont Drive and Chateau Dr i ve,
which is ~66trary~to~'the-r~qu~f~f'~ition~s ~n this area for 3-way stops.
Following a discussion on this ma~ter, it was moved by Councilman Kraus
and seconded by Councilman Brigham to adopt Resolutign MV-112, with the
amendment to install a "Yield" sign on Woodmont and no stop signs on Chateau.
The motion was carried.
B. RESOLUTION MV-113
Resolution Prohibitin~ P~rkin~.'on a Portion of Saratoga Av~enue in Front
of Vineyards
'~}nT~ine~wi th th~s. res.~l~io~C~uhci l'woman
~sub~ect`~f~a`pk~ing-a~ng~th~s~enti~ne°`a~ea~.`~m~C~x-~e6ue-.t~.`t~a~ffic
light at Scotland.
The staff was directed to reviewthis,area and prepare an appropHate
resolution for consideration at afuture Council Meeting. It was indicated
all those residents affected by this proposed resolution would be notified
in advance of the meeting.
It was then moved by Councilman Kraus and seconded by Councilman Brigham
Resolution MV-113 be adopted. The motion was carried.
C~ Appeal by Paul P. McMul~en of Planning Department's Decision to Deny ReQuest
to Remove Several Monterey Pines at 20264 Ljepava Drive (Cont'd. 4/7)
Councilman Kraus indicated he int~ndedto'vote against this appeal, as the
trees are healthy andit w~s his feeling the pool could be moved. Also,
it was his understanding Ordinance 38.26 was written to protect the trees.
It was moved by Councilman Matteoni and seconded by Councilwoman Corr the
appeal be granted to include re~oval' ~f the Palm Iree and 4 Mon't~rey Pines
along the side ~roperty lines. In favor of this motion: Councilman Matteoni,
Councilwoman Corr. Opposed: Councilmen Kraus', Brigham, Bridges. The motion,
therefore, failed.
The staff was directed to reconsider their previous recommendation, to
authorize possible thipning o~some of these Pines.
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D. Consideration of Requests by Homeowners on Yerba Santa Court to be
~ Relieved of Certain Landscape Maintenance Requirements (Cont'd. 3/23, 4/27)
Councilman Matteoni suggested the residents consider substituting some of
the materials or the sprinkler,system for a possible decomposed walkway
to take care of the foot traffic which crosses through at this location.
Councilman Kraus~'~6'~e~'~h~'~'~li~'~'~i~the homeowners 'cooperate
in the early stage~'o~{h~'~l~ ~i~l that exists that planting would
flourish. He indicated that assistance is available from the City Planning
and Parks Department, and the homeowners might consider talking to the
people at the CommUnity,Garden. Ne further commented that it was the
homeowners' responsibility to keep up this area.
It was then moved by Councilman Kraus and seconded by. Councilman Brigham
to deny this request for relief from landscape maintenance reouirements,
and ~l~t~e"S~u~e~'t~i~f~i~'~~wi th a ~e-composed
grani~l~ (~6 be~'t~e~p ~'~ '~t~ a~te)i"~e motion was carried.
E. ORDINANCE NO. 60.3
Ordinance AmendingOrdinanceNo. 60 (Section 13.9-3 of the Subdivision
Ordinance) Re:,Imposition of Slope Density Formula in Areas within Saratoga
Where the Slope Exceeds an Average of 10%
'It was moved by Councilman Brighamand seconded by Councilwoman Corr
Ordinance No. 60.3 be introduced and the reading waived. The motion was
carried.
F. ORDINANCE NO. 3-E.13
Emergenc~ Ordinance· ImpoSing Slope Density Curve in Slope Conservation
Areas in the Cit~ o~.Saratoga Pending Rezoning to HC-RD Zoning District
This ordinance was read in full by, the City Clerk. Councilman Matteoni
suggested an amendment to Section 2 of the ordinance to indicate that
rounding up to the next whole number is to occur at .5 or above.
It was then moved by Cduncilman.Matteoni and seconded by Councilman Kraus
· Ordinance No. 3-E.13 be adopted, wi~h the proposed modification to Section 2.
The motion was carried unanimously'.
G. MINUTE RESOLUTION'RE: CITY COUNCIL POLICY ON CONSISTENCY OF ZONING ORDINANCE
WITH GENERAL PLAN (Cont'd. 4/7, 4/27)
The City M~nager explained it is the Planning Commission's recommendation
that specific numbers. be applied tO the p~'l i'~y~_~t~nt ,adopted 6~' ~e~,Ci'~v
mod~f~cationsiar~ propo~edlaS~61.l.ows:
Very Low Density - In addition to the definition, add: Acreage
thru R-1-20",O00;
Low Density - R-1-40,O00 thru R-l-15,000;
Medium Density - R-1-20,O00 thru R-l-lO,O00.
It was moved by Councilman Kraus and seconded by Councilwoman Corr the
minute resolution as outlined in the Staff Report, dated March 26, 1976,
as the City Council policy on consistency of the Zoning Ordinance with the
General Plan. The motion was carried.
V. SUBDIVISIONS, BUILDING SITES AND ZONING REQUESTS
None.
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VI. PUBLIC HEARINGS
A. CONSIDERATION OF APPEALS OF THE PCANNING COMMISSION DECISION RE: USE PERMIT
NO. 296 - LYNGSO GARDEN MJ~TERIALS
1. Appeal by Jo~n L~ngso, Leo Ot~ and Richard Gardella on
Conditions A, C, F and I, Impgsed by the Planning Commission
in Granting Use Permit 296 to~Lyngso Garden Materials.
2. Appeal by F'. P. T~tar and D. J. Sifferman of Planning Commission
Decision to Grant Use Permit 296 to Lyngso Garden Materials, and
Request for a Hearing de Novo.
Following some discussion by. the Council, as well as Richard Gardella,
attorney representing John Lyngso~ it was moved by Councilman Brigham and
seconded by CouncilmanKraus to set a hearing de novo on these appeals for
June 2, 1976. The motion was carried unanimously.
B. CONSIDERATION OF AN APPEAL OF THE PLANNING COMMISSION DENIAL TO GRANT AN
AMENDMENT TO USE PERMIT NO. 119 (Dated January 9, 1967) TO ALLOW FOR THE
CONSTRUCTION OF A 5,000+ SEAT CAPACITY STADIUM TO INCLUDE BLEACHERS, LIGHTS
AND OTHER APPURTENANT FACILITIES, INCLUDING SKI HILL LIGHTS TO BE LOCATED
ON THE WEST VALLEY COLLEGE CAMPUS AT 14000 FRUITVALE AVENUE
~T~'~'C~ciTT~on~i~dered whether or not to proceed with the- hearing this
~i~g~ o~ to"h61d a de novo hearing on a future date.
The Mayor noted in the Council's packet a letter, dated April 2~, 1976,
from James P. Hardy, Superintendent and President of West Valley College,
wherein he outlines five points which the Council would be able to receive
testimony on, if the hearing commences this evening.
It was determined by the Council ~o proceed with the public hearing on this
matter this evening. The Mayor, therefore, opened the public hearing at
8:57 P.M.
Written Communications were then acknowledged, as follows:
1. Harry L. Mayfield, President, ~Good Government Group, urging the
Council to confirm the Planning Commission's decision to deny
West Valley College the use permit for the athletic stadium.
2. Mrs. Glenda Morley, 19607 Kenosha Ct., and Mrs. Margaret Dunn, 19521
Douglass Lane, stating views on the proposed football facility at
West Valley College.
3. Mr. and Mrs. Ray H. Wood, 14199 Shorthill Court, urging the denial
of the appeal to grant an amendment to Use Permit No. 119 to allow
for construction of a 5,000+ seat capacity stadium at West Valley
College.
4. Mr. and Mrs. Walter E. Muir, 14156 Shorthill Court, opposing the
proposed lights, sound system and bleachers at West Valley College.
5. R. Kent Bradford, Vice President, Medallion Mortgage, Re: West
Valley College Administration'!s manner to develop, or nearly develop,
a project, often times in direct violation of their original plans
and statements. ~
6. Mr. and Mrs. Bert Martel, 144~0 Fruitvale Ave., opposing the amendment
to Use Permit No. 119 from West Valley College.
7.Nyal D. McMullin, 14104 Short Hill Court, opposing the completion
of West Valley Collegesstadium.
8. Marlene Q. Duffin, President, Wildwood Heights Homeowners Association,
urging the Council to deny the appeal of West Valley College for
construction of the stadium.
9. Mr. and Mrs. Jack Vance, 19363 Athos Place, opposing the proposed
stadium project at West Valley College.
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~ ~'~ ~'~
West Valley College Use Permit Amendment (Cont'd.)
Councilman Matteoni raised a question relevant to the hearing procedure
on this matter, and what evideQce could be taken this evening.
The City Attorney explained the letter from the School District raising
the five points could be read into the record to obtain the grounds for
the appeal, and these points could'be argued. Also, he indicated that
the Council has before them the Planning Commission's staff report and minutes
of what transpired at the Planning Commission meeting, and these should be
reviewed, as well as listening to the arguments in light of what..theCouncil
has_before them, to determi!ne whether or not<Ct~lT~"~(r~L~F~s'- S~b~'~i~l~'~~
read in full the letter from aames Hardy, dated April 20,
~l~76~'p~ng the Planning CommiSsion denial of the West Valley College
use permit amendment.
James Hardy, Superintendent and President;]West Valley College, addressed
the Council. He commented that it'is his impression a great deal of time
was spent at the Planning Commission hearing talking about the impact of'
the College as a whole on the city and community-of Saratoga. He commented
that this is subject which has been debated since 1964; however, he didn't
feel it was of a proper concern in thisi~diT~Gg~i6~] ...... T"~:i~ ' '~" '~'~-
Mr. Hardy indicated that Mr. Kellar of his office has letters which sub-
stantiate the matter of the noise volume and light density (point 5). He
indicated that the College District serves not only Saratoga, but also,
the Cities of Santa Clara, Campbell, Los Gatos and Monte Sereno, as well as
a significant portion of San Jose,:and the Governing Board has an obligation
to provide community college services and programs for that population.
Councilman Brigham asked Mr. Hardy if he was correct in understanding that
he did not fee] the E. nv~.~onmental Impact Report violated Saratoga's General
~rT ~-r~lied that he didn't b~lieve this was a requisite under the
Environmental Impact Report.
Councilman Brigham then asked Mr. Hardy if while studying the Environmental
Impact Report did it appear this was a complex aerosource under~T~Tg?A.
Mr. Kellar of West Valley College Commented he would have to review the
E.I.R. in that area, and he doesn't recollect co~entsd~v~o '~l'ltutants
generated from the stadium itself.'
Marty Van Duyn, Planning Director, commented that the E.I.R. stated that the
project would not be considered a pollution resourse activity.
Mr. Brigham th~n asked how .much ~o~ey the-stadium.is anticipated to cost, a~d
where would these funds be coming from.
Mr. Kellar replied that the approximate eost of the stadium will be $450,000,
and it is anticipated the facility could be paid out of several sources --
one of them being Fund 16 (Community Services) and the other, Fund 60 (Special
Reserve).
Councilwoman Corr asked if Fund 60 was a limited fund which has to be used
for a specific item.
Mr. Kellar indicated this fund is limited to capital outlay, and for school
districts in California this includes sites, improvement of sites, buildings
and equipment.
Councilman Brigham then asked if the College while studying the stadium plan
had gone into any depth on what it'would cost the City of Saratoga for
additional police or other services.
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West Valley College Use Permit Amendment (Cont'd.)
Mr. Kellar replied that to the best of his recollection, a specific dollar
amount is not mentioned in the E.I.R., and it was his feeling there are a
Cnumb~(~ays of handling the traffic generated by this facility.
Mr. Hardy further commented on this, stating that it might be considered in
terms that the facility would have use of perhaps 50 evenings per year, and
some afternoon use, ~nd in most cases, the College would use its own police
force.
Councilman Brigham commented that the roads near the College, according to
the General :P~lan, are designed to sta~approximatel~ t~e~e~same size they are
now, and he asked if the traffic ~h~~aj~'~'~en~'~verload these
roads to the point where they woul~b~'i~assi"~l~ ........
Mr. Kellar replied that he believes the. traffic coming to or departing from
the campus for a footbal.1 game would ~ot be any greater than what it presently
is Monday through Thursday evening of the regular semester. It is projected
all of the parking spaces would not be filled to use this facility.
Mr. Kellar then presented ~ brief',s,~'~]~d~'o~e~e~"'~'~oject.and surrounding
neighborhood. He outlined such ele~t~%f~ep~j'~i~ the bleachers, press
box, concession and restroom facility, speaker system and light system. He
indicated that the lighting has been designed to provide approximately 35-foot
candles of illumination on the field itself, and the lighting standards are
ppproximately 70 feet tall from the field itself, designed so that the lights
shine down on the field. He indicated that the speaker system has been designed
to project the sound directly'at the spectators. Further, he advised that the
sound engineer has indicated that there are ~ays to control sound volume
eminating from the speaker system.
~r. Kellar indicated that the uses of the facility would ultimately have to
be decided by the Governing Board.
Councilman Kraus asked how long this project has been in the planning.
~r. Kellap replied ~e did not have the exact date, but it ~as sometime in 1974.
Councilman Kraus then inquired if at that time it was seen as a practice field,
or what is beTrig proposed today.
Nr. Kellar replied that during the planning stage he believes it has been
labled a "practice field".
~r. Kpaus inquired at ~hat point this designation ~as changed.
Rr. Kellar replied that the Governing Board has elected to complete the class-
room facilities at the campus first, and this would be one of the final facilities
they ~ould wish to complete. He ihdida~ed that much like the City's General
Plan, the College's ~aster Plan ~ou.ld be accordingly modified.
~r. Kpaus stated that in the E.I.R. it was indicated that the attendance at
the football games were 450 to 500 people, and asked Nr. Kellar if this was
correct. He further indicated he would have difficulty with a 500 to 600-man
stadium.
~p. Kellap replied that the attendance at their football games ranges between
when they have a very good team and a very poor team. He estimated that over-
all, attendance is at 3,000 to 3,500. ~r. Kellar further commented that this
facility could also prove helpful to high schools in the district, as they
have crowds that would utilize this capacity. He indicated this use of the
facility during the football season would be primarily on Fridays and Saturdays,
and he would anticipate the high schools in this area (Los Gatos, Saratoga,
~estmont) might apply to use it.
Councilman Kraus inquired if the lights would be on just about every night.
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West Valley CollegesUse Permit Amendment (Cont'd.)
Mr.~d~-~replied that he doesn't see the lights being on unless there is
an event -- at a maximum of 50 evenings per year.' He indicated 12 to 15
nights would be used for football, and the remainder could be used for
soccer, tract and various other athletic events. He further stated he would
be pleased to suggest some sort of a limitation to the Board, and this would
be formulated into a po.licy matter.
Councilwoman Corr inquired if Mr.~.T_a.~'~would anticipate using the field for
night practiC~
Mr. H~rdy indicated that he didn't anticipate any night practice as a regular
thing~.~.,'~
Councilwoman Corr.-~k~d~H~d~ i~"~e~ felt it
through the amplif~ing'S~.~" .... ~ .................
Mr. Hardy stated he~d~'~ feel the'sound would. be _any stronger than when
some of the youth of th~ co~G6i'~"~F~'~'{h~ field o~S~tUrda~'~ft~noon.
Mr. Kellar indicated a sound engineer had evaluated the proposed speaker
system, and this is set forth in Mr. Hardy's letter to the Council. Also,
it is stated that there are technical ways that the volume of a sound system
can be controlled, and the College wo~ld propose the.sound system be so
controlled so the volume could not exceed a certain level.
The Mayor asked for any comments from those present in the audience.
Mr. Stonebracker, a resident of Saratoga, addressed the Council on two'points:
He indicated his first point is that the voters in this county have voted
down a facility of this type twice, and doesn't understand why the College
District wishes to continue with this. Secondly, he stated he questions whether
what is proposed is consistent with the objectives and goals of a community
college system. He then proceeded~to read from a newspaper clipping from
the Palo Alto Times, dated, Mar~h 6; 1976, addressing the State's view on
this issue, and he felt this is in direct conflict with the C~llege's proposal.
Joseph Donahue, President of the United Taxpayers Association of Santa Clara
County, addressed the Council, stating that he was not a resident of the City
of Saratoga; however, he was a taxpayer in the College District. He pointed
out that this proposed project would average approximately 20 to 25% increase
~.n_th~ p~op~_t~s~ssme~. A].~_,~e_cgmmen~ed~ha~_L~as hj~Bde~s~andj.ng
~he. Colleee's_.Fund 60 was_.a reserve_fund, and.sueges~ed it b~ further _in~es~i:
gated how this was obtained. ·
Mrs. Margaret Dunn, 19521 Douglas Lane, addressed the Council, referencing a
letter, dated April20, 1967, from Mr. Hardy, in which he states that the
College Governing Board in considering this project is responsive to the'entire
district. Mrs. Dunn questioned if the real need for this type of project has
really come from this community. She commented that the voters of Campbell
did not wish to see their tax dollars being spent in their district for traffic
congestion, noise, etc., and she does not feel the City of Saratoga should take
on these problems.
Mrs. Dunn commented that Mr. Ha~dy has indicated that the District Governing
Board would not permit large scale 6tiljzation of the facility. However, she
commented that the Council should remember such decisions ride entirely with the
Governing Board and subsequent Governing Boards. She stated that she is a be-
liever of the community college aspect; however, she does not believe a two-year
college -- particularly in a bedroom community -- is justified in constructing
a project of this nature.
Dave Larson, a resident of Santa Clara, spoke in favor of the stadium facility.
He co~ented that at the present time, tennis is being played at the College in
the evenings and lights are currently being used. He indicated that the foot-
ball field lights would not be on all the time as they are on the tennis courts,
but only during the specific times of the events. He commented that he felt a
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West Valley College Use Permit Amendment (Cont'd.)
5,000-seat stadium is pretty small, and he would like to support completion
of this facility.
Glenda Morley, 19607 Kenosha Court,'addressed the Council, stating she felt there
were many undefined statements in the Environmental Impact Report, and that the
City Council has to consider the environmental impact on the community. She
indicated that it states in the E.I.R. that 5 rows of bleachers would be
situated below the existing grade, which would seat 1,000 people. With regard
to the speaker system, she questioned if they would be able to extend the speakers
to 3 feet above the surrounding grade, and if this would be higher than the grade
that presently exists. She further questioned how clean-up was going to be
handled following football games, and if this would be done after games,
causing lights to be on late into the evening. She felt there were areas which
are unidentified and that the City needs to have these answers before granting
a use permit amendment.
Clifton Speer addressed the Council,.indicating he was the sports com~fs~ion~r _
for the ~tudent body. H~ stated tha't'~his college is not asking'f6r ~yt~ing tha~ any
other college does not have, and he would like to emphasize the importance of
having a home football field. He stated that it is important to the athletes,
'and'fi~af'l~cts'o~'th~o~i't~d~i~l~i~i~l~Twwi~e recognition.
With regard to maintenance, Mr. Speer stated that he is also employed on the .
campus to'perform maintenance duties following athletic events, and this is
done between 7:00 A.M. and 3:00 P.M. He indicated that they do not go in after
the events in the evening and clean up.
John Burtt, 13886 Malcolm Avenue, indicated he would like to speak to some of
the points by Mr. Hardy. He stated .that although there was an agreement by the
College that there would not be lights for a football field, etc., the practice
field had been designed with a great deal of elevation on the sides, and it appeared
to him it was built to eventually contain the bleachers. If not, he felt the
design was very wasteful for the amount of use for a practice field.
With regard to the E.I.R., Mr. Burtt commented he felt the evidence speaks for it-
self, as far asnoise, traffic congestion, etc.. He spoke to the matter of the
character of this community, indicating it would be his desire to preserve this
character, and he felt a concession with lights and P.A. system would detract
from the character of Saratoga. Further, he commented that Mr. Hardy's point
of serving other districts was invalid, and that he doesn't feel Saratoga has
an obligation to these other communities.
Carol Moran, Titus Court, commented that the City C6uncil"s job is to protect
the citizens of the community, and she doesn't feel the use permit amendment
would be for the good of the community, but rather, a detriment.
EugeneSturla, a resident of Allendale Avenue, indicated he would like to raise
a question as to the accuracy in the~price of the bleachers and other facilities.
He felt it was unlikely the college would remain within its schedule, and would
probably overrun their fundsfor this project. He furthe r commented that when he
visited the midwest last fall, he can remember hearing a high school game at a
stadium over a mile away -- not only the cheers, but also, the public address
system.
Mike Baker, Crisp Avenue, commented that he-is a member of the Saratoga citizens
in favor of the stadium. It was his feeling the Planning Commission has made
its judgments without knowing all the facts. He commented that he felt through-
out this entire issue there has been a lack of communication, lack of direction,
lack of understanding and a credibility gap between the College and the people
of Saratoga.
Mr. Baker Commented that he feels there are a great many factors that make a
city, and it was his feeling many people do not understand questions related
to_elevations, sound systems, etc. He indicated he would have three recommen-
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West Valley College Use Permit Amendment Cont'd.)
dations to suggest: 1) the Council obtain a complete understanding of the pro-
-ject, and obtain all the facts; 2) insure a committment from the Governing Board
as to its use of the facility; and 3) establish a committee, consisting of
people from Saratoga and people from the College, to take care of the dialogue.
A resident of Douglas Lane indicated that a major portion of the discussions
have been centered around the speaker system and noise pollution. However,
he stated he does not believe it is the speaker system that would be causing
~oise, but the 5,000 people participating in the events. He indicated that he
~Can_~hear tennis balls bouncing from where he lives, and as far as lighting is
(dncerned, he indicated he can read the newspaper at 9:00 P.M. in his back yard.
He commented that Mr. Hardy has used such words as "don't contemplate'l, which
does not gove him much assurance as to the plans for this stadium. He agreed
that there should be a greater dialogue between the City of Saratoga and the
people at the college. He further commented he doesn't believe this large
amount of money is justified for a facility which will be used 50 times in a
year, and that the interest in this project will run the community approximately
$50,000 per year.
Larry Jennings, Athletic Director of West Valley College, addressed the Council.
He stated that his reason for supporting the concept of this stadium at West
Valley College is that football at this college and every college in the State of
California is the number one sport, and one which gains the most community
interest. Also, he indicated it creates a severe problem in finding a facility
to house their team. He mentioned that Los Gatos High School has been reluctant
to share their facility, as their field simply will not stand a great deal of play.
It was_the feel.ing of Mr. Jennings that 50 evening per year,TZ~'bTi~ ~ho~.~.~:S
~W'~h~foo~6~l.l"ag~the major event and track and soccer occasionally, is not
g~n~ '{6 ~a~s~ ~oblems. Further, he felt this would offer a first-class
facility for use by Saratoga residents. He commented that they would like to
have a home as they have been 12 years without one -- they have. talked about
going to Mission, which is another 10 years away. He wondered what it would
cost to take this stadium and build.at Mission another lO years from now.
He indicated there are a lot of reasons why this stadium should be built in
Saratoga, and these would far out-weigh those reasons for building it in Santa
Clara.
Mr. Schrager,'20375 Saratoga~Los GatosRoad, addressed the Council, indicated
that he has reetl~a'~n'~S's~nt handed to him. He indicated that he
speaks out in favor of West Valley College. He stated that he has lived in
Saratoga for 3 years, and has heard a lot about Saratoga's General Plan as if
it's holy. He stated that the City of Saratoga is here -- there is no doubt
about it'.-- and West Valley College.is here, and there is no doubt about this.
Mr. Schrager stated that it has been said time and time again that Saratoga is
a "bedroom Community" -- and he would say: "If you want to sleep the rest of
this century out in this bedroom community, don't grant this license to ful-
full the College's destiny -- just go to sleep. Somehow or other, you are going
to be dragged into the 21st Century." Mr. Schrager indicated that Saratoga
is as much of the community as West Valley, and serves this greater metropolitan
community. He stated that he has not seen that this college.has hurt its
neighbors in the pocketbook, and if it had, the citizens would have a real
argument to scream about. Therefore, it was his ~e~ling this college should
fulfill its destiny, and the Council should grant it permission to do-so.
Ann Harrod, 19520 KenoshaCourt, indiCat%~hat she ~ogld like to clarify this
great confusion for the need for this stadium, as opposed to whether or not the
stadium serves the rules, and regulations set forth by the City of Saratoga.
She stated that we cannot le~ ourselves be influenced by this "need" if it
does not fit the rules. She asked that the Council not confuse needs with the
law.
A citizen commented that if the citizens were to use its tax dollars for the
seating, the lights and the P.A. sytem; they would not restrict that facility
just to football or track, and they would al'low people to hold rock concerts.
Also, he didn't feel the facility should be thought of as being con'structed
for just one select group, thus discriminating against musicians. It was his
hope the stadium would be used'as much as possible, and if this is not the
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West Valley College Use Permit Amendment (Cont'd.)
intent, we shouldn't have it.
John Han~nett, 15185 Alondra Lane, indicated that he moved to Saratoga only
within the past year, and he moved to this specific location because he wanted
to be next to West_ Valley College, which he felt enhanced his property.
Mr. Hammett stated that to emphasize the fact that he didn't feel the Planning
Commission had an open mind when they made their decision, he recalls there
was at least one person on the Planning who made mention to the fact that they
did not know where this facility was, and asked directions where ~:~iwoul~'be
located. Therefore, he didn't really feel the Planning Commissio~ had an open
mind in the vote, and he would ask that the Council do .this.
John Sabella, Devon Avenue, indicated he has been a resident of Saratoga for
19 years. He indicated he would like to address some of the problems which have
come with regard tothis stadium. Referencing an earlier comment with regard
to the P.A. system at a midwest high school football game, he advised that high
.schools usually only use 2 speakers on each side, and these speakers are designed
so that they penetrate the crowd and go as far as possible; and West Valley plans
to use 18 to 24 speakers -- the less speakers, the less the effect of the sound
on the surrounding community.
Mr. Sabella commented that the Group against the stadium has brought up the
problem of the community not wanting the stadium. However, in contacting the
Community Services Office of the College, they have indicated that many people
have been using the stadium, and everyone who has used the track facility has
complained that there are no stands there. He indicated there is community
interest in this stadium, no matter'what anyone else says. He stated that the
Campbell Union High School District has supported completion of the stadium,
as well as the Los Gatos-Saratoga J6int Union High School District. He indicated
that one of the concerns of the stadium is the problem of large crowds, in
relation to the County Sheriff's Office, which, it is felt,~would be directing
traffic around the campus and leaving other areas of Saratoga unprotected. His
solOtion to this problem is to utilize the West Valley District police officers.
According to the District Attorney's office, tD'.make this legal'to occur, the
College and the Sheriff's Department must sign an agreement whereas the College
police can direct traffic within a one-mile radius of the College. In this
way, it would not take away the Sheriff's responsibility in patroling Saratoga,
and it would not mean an increase in the taxpayer's money, as the school would
be paying the Police Department at West Valley to direct this traffic.
William Gould, member of the Board of Trustees, West Valley College, addressed
the Council. He stated it was a concensus of opinion of the Board that the
proposed facility fall within the guidelines of the agreement of 1967 -- that
it is not a large-scale facility. Mr. Gould indicated that the-taxpayers of
Santa Clara County turned down a stadium to seat at l~ast 37,500 people and
cost multiple millions of dollarS, Mr. Gould ~ommented that in every instance
while he has served on the Board, they have kept faith with the Council of
Saratoga. He stated that the Board' of West Valley College followed the Council's
recommendations to the extent that it cost them well over $300,000, and the
people of Santa Clara, Campbell, Los Gatos, Monte Sereno and Saratoga will pay
year after year for this facility that was recommended by the City, the College
accepted, and then a road block thrown in and it had to change. He stated
that the Board is as conscientious as the Council is Of fulfilling its duties
to the people they represent, and he would submit that this facility is needed
for a well rounded program of education.
Howard Summers, 14800 Andrew Court, and part-time student of West Valley College,
urged that the Council to deny the .appeal, and tO specifically urge the Council
to become confused in thinking an opposition to this stadium is an opposition
to West Valley College. He felt the College could probably more realistically
use this money for its academic prqgrams, as well as its intramural sports
program which benefit all of the students.
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West Valley College Use Permit Amendment iCont'd.)-
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 10:55 P.~..
Councilman Matteoni commented that he feels it was the primar½ concern~f~
~Pl~'~'i'~gTC~i~ ~'th~'~at the evidence that justified the
impa~ tB~'ca~Us ~6Gid ~e~on~h~'e~mmunity for it to vote to modify the
use permit of 1967. Therefore, he indicated he would be opposed to granting
the appeal.
CouncilWoman Corr indicated that she is concerned about several things on
this issue ,~d 'Ga'T~n ~h~{ ~ h~
Planning Commi~' Meeti'6~ ~n t~{~
made the right decision. She felt it was in violation of the way the City
was interpreting the~To~di~i~L~f the use permit, and she would uphold the
Planning Commission's ~i~iOh'.
Counci'lman Kraus commented that he strongly believes'the use permit is being
violated at West Valley College as it is today, and by putting in this type.
of outdoor sports stadium it will violate the use permit even further.
He further_commented that this city is facing some very difficult decisions
C~ {h~-~i~T~'~arS to financially make ends meet, and throughout government
toda~al'l~p~nditures are being reviewed very carefully. He stated that
in his opinion, everyone is attemptihg to spend less, except West Valley College,
who wishes to spend some half-million dollars or more on lights for sporting
events. He indicated he felt this is irresponsible when the need does.O~ 9~)st,
and must be generated, and with the financial picture the way it is for the
next several years, we.cannot afford any unnecessary expenditures.
Councilman Kraus'advised that when the College submitted its E.I.R., it was
submitted, along with the City's reply to Senator Smith, and he felt some
of his recent bills were a result of that action. He suggested this entire
issue to presented to the Governor, ~nd he would urge the Council to seek an
abdience with the Governor at the earliest opportunity, and take whatever
action it needs to stop this.
Councilman Brigham ~ndica{ed he read the Environmental Impact Report in its
'entirity, and thereport states veryCClearly that this project is against not only
the use plan, but also against the General Plan of Saratoga. He therefore
moved that the appeal be denied.
Councilman Kraus seconded the motion.
Mayor Bridges co~ented that he doesn't believe by the Council allowing things
to happen on this campus for the ~urpose of rounding out the institution and
destroying the community around it, this Will really' be an answer. Also, he
felt it would definitely be against Saratoga's General Plan. He therefore,
indicated he would have to support the Planning Co~ission in its decision on
this issue.
The motion was therefore carried unanimously.
Recess
A. MAYOR
1.The Mayor announced the proclamation for "Clean-up Month" during the
month of May.
B. COUNCIL AND COMMISSION REPORTS
None.
., :
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C. DEPARTMENT HEADS AND OFFICERS
1. Public Works Director- Report Re~ Request to Increase Speed Limit
on the Eastern Half of Allendale ~venue.
It was moved by Councilman Brigham and seconded by Councilwoman Corr to
continue the Traffic Engineer's recommendation in his report of May, 1974,
recommending that the speed limit!not be modified until such time as there
is a pedestrian facility constructed within this reach. The motion was
carried.
2. Director of Public Works ~Report Re: Quito-Pollard Road Improvements and
Walkway
The City Council approved Mr. Shook's proposal to modify the pedestrian
walkway immediately adjacent to the street.
3. City Attorney -'Reported that the.argument on the petition.for the
Initiative was heard on Friday, April 30th.
4. City Attorney - Reported that the~petition for the writ on the West Valley
E.I.R. has been filed.
5. City Attorney - Recommended ~d~ization touche release for $1,000
check in connection with accident' Of Abe Cori~]h'~975.
It was moved by Councilman Brigham and seconded by Councilman Kraus to
authorize exchange of this release for $1,000. The motion was carried.
6. City Attorney - Proposed agreement under the use permit for Lyngso
Garden Materials, Inc. - Council directed this agreement be held until
public hearings before ~he Council on this issue have been held.
D. CITY MANAGER
1. Request from Saratoga Historical Park Committee for "GreatAmerican.Junk
Sale" on June 19th, from 10:00 to15:00, and on June 20th, from 1:00 to
5:00, at the Swannee Building.
It was moved by Councilman Kraus and seconded by Councilman Brigham
approval be granted for this event. The motion was carried.
2. Change Orders No. 1 and 2 for Saratoga Historical Park
It was moved by Councilman Kraus and seconded by Councilman Brigham
approval of Change Orders No. 1 and 2, totaling approximately $1,800.
The motion was carried.
VIII. COMMUNICATIONS
A. WRITTEN
1. Robert Van der Toorren, 14555 Horseshoe Drive, Re: Hillside Conservation-
Residential DistriCt.Ordinance. - Noted and filed.
2. Jack Dunstan, 20195 Glen Brae Drive, Re: installation of stop signs at
Glasgow and Edinburgh and Miljevich and Kilbride. - Staff to review and
report back to the Council in 30 days.
3. 'Pauline Pace, Chairman, Historical Heritage Commission, requesting procla-
mation for the week of March 9th ~hru 15th, as Historic Preservation Week. -
Approved.
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Written C~mmunications (Cont'd.)
4.Russell L. Crowther, 20788 Norada Court, Re: Save Our Dollars/Save Our
Hills Issue. - Noted and filed.
5.L Harriet C. Lundquist, Saratoga Historical Foundation, requesting use of
the Historical Park Museum Building on June 19~h and 20th for a fund
raising event. - App~oved.
6. Miles Rankin, 14506 Big Basin Way, suggesting alternatives to the proposed
plan for useof the former Arco Station as a bus facility. - Noted and filed.
7.Miles Rankin, 14506Big Basin Way, with additional information on the
bus facility. ~ Noted and filed..
8. Nonette C. Hanko,, President, Board of Directors, Midpeninsula Regional P~rk
District, enclosing a ~gp~ of Res61ution 76-10, Supporting Ballot Measures
J and K appearing on the City of Saratoga Ballot in the June Election.
Noted and filed.
9. Patrick T. Ferranro, Director, District 2, Santa Clara Valley Water District,
enclosing a letter relative to the issue of water reclamation. - Noted & filed.
B. ORAL
(~.~S~'~G~OUP REPRESENTATION
~ The Mayor acknowledged the presence of public group representatives this
evening, as follows:
Virginia Laden, Planning Commissioner Marjorie Foote, A.A.U.W.
Don Sifferman, President, Manor D~. Joseph Donahue, United Taxpayers
Homeowners Association of Santa Clara County
G. Carlson, Parks and Recreation Ben Gould, President, West Valley
Commission ~joint Community College GOv.,Board
D. Brydon, West Valley College Rose Aberle (served coffee)
Governing Board
IX. ADJOURNMENT
It was moved by Councilman Brigham and seconded by Coun(ilwoman Corr the meeting
be adjourned to Executive Session and to an Adjourned Regular Meeting next Tuesday,
May ll, 1976. The motion Was carried. The meeting was adjourned at 12:00 Midnight.
:~~ submitted,.
~ 'City Clerk~ .
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