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HomeMy WebLinkAbout08-17-1977 City Council Minutes MINUTES SARATOGA CITY COUNCIL ~IME: Wednesday, August 17, 1977 - 7:30 P.M. PLACE: Saratoga City Council Chambers, 13777 Fruitvale Ave., Saratoga, CA TYPE: Regular Meeting I. ORGANIZATION. A. ROLL CALL Present: Councilman Bridges, Corr, Kraus, Matteoni Absent: Councilman Brigham B. MINUTES It was moved by Councilwoman Corr and seconded by Councilman KraUs the minutes of August 3, 1977 be approved. The motion was carried. II. CONSENT CALENDAR A. COMPOSITION OF CONSENT CALENDAR It was moved by Councilman Kraus and seconded by Councilwoman Corr the composition of Consent Calendar be approved. The motion was carried unanimously. B. ITEMS FOR CONSENT CALENDAR 1. Merger of'Traffic Signal Maintenance Company Inc., into Signal Maintenance Inc. Agreement 2. Final Map Approval, Tract 5980, James Day Construction Co./Sob~y Road 3. Pike Road Reimbursement Agreement 4. Payment of Claims! 5. City Clerk's Financial Report 6. City Treasurer's Re p t p.r It was moved by Councilman Kraus and seconded by Councilwoman Corr approval of the items for the Consent Calendar. The motion was carried unanimously. III. BIDS AND CONTRACTS A. AWARD OF CONTRACT - CO~MIJNITY CENTER PARKING LOT AND AZULE PARK PATHWAY The City Manager explained that five (5) contractors bid on the project.. it was assessed that for the Community Center Parking lot, the low was $15,457.85, with a high of $25,00p. The assessment for the Azule Park Pathway was a low of $3,541.00, and a high of $8,295.00. The combined bid totaled $19,008.85, which as reported by the City Manager is slightly under our budget for these two projects. ~ It was recommended that the Council approve the bid and authorize the award of contract to Sweeney & SonS, Inc~ for these two projects .CoUncilman Kraus requested that eadh bid project beaw~rded separately. This was agreeable to the other Council members. Councilwom~n Corr moved, and it was seconded by Council- man Kraus the low bid of $15,457.85 be awarded to Sweeney & Sons, Inc. for the Community Center parking lot~ The motion was carried 3 to 0. It was then moved by Councilwoman Corr, seconded by Mayor Bridges, the Azule Park Pathway project be approved for the low bid of $3,541.00. The motion was carried 2 to 1, Councilman Kraus in opposition. B. AGREEMENT BETWEEN !CITY OF SARATOGA AND SANTA CLARA VALLEY WATER DISTRICT'FOR WILDCAT CREEK BRIDGE RE- CONSTRUCTION AT QUITO.ROAD 1. Authorization to Execute Cooperative Agreement for Reconstruction of Bridge, and Certain Street Improvements Adjacent Thereto 2. AUthorization to Solicit PropOsals from Consulting Engineers for Design of the Bridge The City Manager explained that the Santa Clara Valley Water District has estimated $96,250.00 for the completion of thi~ project which is within the budgeted. $100,000.00. After analysis, it was found that rather than buy the lot adjaceat to the wa.terway and build a levy, it!would be sufficient to widen the bridg~ to control the flood flow. The reconstruction of the bridge would widen the two lanes wi~h ~houlders and walkways on each side which would create enough space for four lanes, if that be desired in.the future. It was moved by CoUncilman Kraus and seConded'by Councilwoman Co~r the Mayor be au,thOrized to execute this agreement and,the solicitation of proposals from consulting engineers for the design of the bridge be commenced. The motion carried unanimously. Councilman Matteoni arrived at this point., C. MODIFICATION OF LANDSCAPE MAINTENANCE AGREEMENT AND CC&R's TRACT 5944 (DIVIDEND INDUSTRIES) The City Manager explalned that the reason for the. modi~ fication of the CC&R's~was that the incorrect des,cription of the maintained landscape area was used, and that the Department of Real Estate wanted the wording inl connection with right to lien modified. It was mo~ed by Councilman Kraus and seconded by ~ouncilwoman Corr to accept the modification. The motion was carried unanimously° D. AGREEMENT BETWEEN CITY OF SARATOGA AND STATE OF 'CALIFORNIA DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION TO IMPROVE RAILROAD GRADE CROSSING AT SARATOGA AVENUE 1. Master Agreement for Federal Aid Projects 2. Program Supplement No. 1 It was explained that the Federal Aid Project would finance 90% of this project with the city's total rate at an annual 10% of the total cost It wasm6~eH by ~! C6~ncilman Kraus, seconded by Councilman Corr the Master Agreement for Federal Aid Projects and for Program Supplement No. 1, be approved. The motion was carried unanimously. IV. PETI~ION, ORDINANCES,"AND FORMA~ RESOLUTI0~S A. ORDINANCE NO. 38.75-1 (2nd reading) AN ORDINANCE OF THE CITY OF SARATOGA REAFFIRMING AND REESTABLISHING PRIMA FACIE SPEED LIMITS FOR MOTOR VEHICLES ONePORTIONS OF COX AVENUE, PROSPECT ROAD, ALLENDALE AVENUE AND QUITO ROAD, TOGETHER WITH ADDITIONAL FINDINGS IN SUPPORT THEREOF. It was proposed'ad0ptionl~of~.~rdinanc~'.N~'38~75-1~and c~i~h~'¥e~di~ 'b~ ~gU~ci~an Matte~i~'~d 'seconded ~' ;~ ~b~ C~ncf%~0man Corr. This motion'~nimo~sl~ c~rriedj ""~ B. RESOLUTION NO. 828 A RESOLUTION FIXING THE AMOUNT OF REVENUE FROM PROPERTY TAXES NECESSARY FOR THE SUPPORT OF THE DEPARTMENTS OF THE CITY OF SARATOGA FOR FISCAL YEAR 1977-78 AND TO PAY ANY BONDED OR OTHER INDEBTEDNESS OF THE CITY, AND FIXING THE AMOUNT OF REVENUE SUFFICIENT TO PAY THE ESTIMATED COSTS FOR SAID FISCAL~YEAR FOR "SCL DISTRICT 1", AZULE LIGHTING DISTRICT, QUITO LIGHTING DISTRICT, FREDERICKSBURG DRIVE PARK MAINTENANCE DISTRICT, MANOR DRIVE PARK MAIN- TENANCE DISTRICT, GREENBRIER PARK MAINTENANCE DISTRICT, AND THE VILLAGE PARKING DISTRICT NO. 1 The City Manager explained that the assessed value of 16.1% ~a~ ;4L~%%'~ ~at~n~udZd {~th~'dg.~ W~l~h W~ ~D~o~e~ -~ 'T~±~ ~re _~wg ~i~s ~p~H'~[ [his time 1. If the rates remain the same the difference in revenue between 12% and 16.1% would be used for .the city's reserve. 2. If the rates are reduced by one penny this would almost be equivalent to the 4.1%, with~tthe~xception of about $5,250.00, based on the latest figures. The second section of this resolution concerns the lighting districts and the park maintehance districts whose revenues are based on budgets for anticipated expenditures for th6se operations. The homeowner repre- sentatives agree with the following figures: the Fredericksburg Drive and the Greenbrier Park Maintenance Districts rates remain the same; the Manor Drive Park Maintenance District is reduced by four (4) cents; while the Village Parking District No. 1 recommends anlin~rease to 2.239 this next fiscal year which would pick up most of the $113.00 deficit the end of this last fiscal year. -3- The lighting districts' figures are based on formulas which were approved in the 1976-77 legislative session where an urgency statute was adopted which would allow for adjustments due to electrical cost increases. These figures cover the basic costs of operation of these functions. Following discussion an amended motion was made by Councilman Kraus. This motion failed for lack of majority vote and decision has been pqs~poned to anL- Adjoh~ned ~R~gUtlaEMeeting~ne~t. T~sday to-ad0p~,~the amount_ of m~n_~?to eiIJ i d ,b property tax revenue, C, RESOLUTION NO, 32-T RESOLUTION FIXING TAX'RATES FOR FISCAL YEAR 1977-78 Agreement on this resolution has been postponed to the Adjohrne~.RegUl~'~M~Cing next week, D, RESOLUTION NO, MV 125 RESOLUTION DESIGNATING THE INTERSECTION OF LEXINGTON COURT AND CHALET (SOUTH) AS A STOP INTERSECTION The City Manager explained that a number of residents have requested a stop sign at the corner of Chalet and Lexington Court, In F.ebruary the Council submitted for study by the Sher~.~.'~Department andby traffic engineers this resolution, and the conclusion of this study made between May 19 and June 17 was that a stop sign was not needed. The motion was made for the denial of the stop sign at the intersection of Lexington Court and Chalet by Councilman Kraus, seconded by Councilwoman Corr and opposed by Mayor Bridges. The motion carried 4 to 1. V. SUBDIVISION, BUILDING SITES, ZONING REQUESTS None. VI. PUBLIC HEARING CONSIDERATION OF APPEAL OF PLANNING COMMISSION DECISION RELEVANT TO APPLICATION A-575 FOR SIGNS TO IDENTIFY FUTURE BRANCH FOR SECURITY PACIFIC BANKAT FOURTH AND BIG BASIN WAY (continued from August 3) The City Manager reviewed the facts concerning this appeal, stating that regarding Councilman Matteoni's reference on the signs at the Carmel branch of the Security Pacific Bank,.four photographs of this building with the logo on wood-backed signs have been taken and were ~ere to be viewed by the Council. The Mayor opened the public hearing at 8:22 P.M. -4- Raymond Clark, Marketing Officer, Security Pacific Bank, addressed the Council and presented them with a scale model of the proposed building with the signs placed on it. These signs are accurately:reproduced in scale in two places on the model to show the relationship of the signs and their attachment to the building~ He stated that looking at the model at an angle would show the edging of the signs. One minor error of the model shown is the window on the east side of the building will hot be in the building itself. Mr. Clark brought with him also two photographs of two of the four signs at the branch at E1 Paseo de Saratoga, pointing out that the square footage area' of any one of these individual signs represent more area than both of the proposed signs for Saratoga. Mr. Clark also brought with him samples of the edging material usedin these signs. In regard to the wooden signs at the branch in Carmel, Mr. Clark stated that these signs are not illuminated, and that for several reasons already stated, an illuminated sign is preferred for Saratoga. He stated that it is impossible to illuminate a wooden sign from the inside, and to use direct lighting is~in oppositioh to the city ordinance. Regarding the sign at St. Andrew's Church, their sign is forty (40) square feet, which according to Mr. Clark is twice the size of the proposed signs. Councilman Kraus explaided.that his reference to St. Andrew's Church was in regard to the design ofthe sign and not to size. Councilwoman Corr asked if the height of the letters were six (6) inches high and how long were the signs, to which Mr. Clark replied that on the proposed signs the height 6f the letters of one sign were six (6) inches high with the .length of this sign being eleven (11) feet, and the other sign has five (5) inch high letters with sign length being nine (9) feet. Councilman Matteoni asked {f the logo sign on the side of the building was non-illuminated, and if the long sign, with the full name was located out from the building, suspended from the eaves. Mr. Clark replied that the sign was illuminated, and that the depth was the~same as the other sign. In regard to the long sign, measuring twenty-two (22) feet, it i~ suspended from the eaves as it is located in front of windows and cannot be attached to the side of the building. Therefore, to be consistent, both long signs were suspended. Proposed signs in Saratoga will be mounted flat against the wall. The long horizontal sign is preferred in comparison to the rectangular sign, because of the difference in wall height between the twelve (12) foot high wall at E1 Paseo de Saratoga and the eight (8) foot high wall at the proposed Saratoga branch. The rectangular sign would be too close to the ground on the eight (8) foot wall. Councilman Matteoni asked if the signs at the Security Pacific Bank on University Avenue in Los Gatos signs were more similar in size to what we are discussing. Mr. Clark stated that in Los Gatos there is a long horizontal sign suspended from the eaves whichis considerably larger in size than the proposed sign, and the sign on the west side of the building is rectangular and mounted flat against the wall. There being no further questions, it was moved by Councilman Kraus 'and seconded by Councilwoman Corr that the public hearing be closed/i~'C 8'~30'~.~T~'.~6~ion carried. Councilman Matteoni commented that looking at the signs at the Los Gatos branch, he was disappointed with the effect of the rough-textured building and the blue-bordered signs, and suggested that some fldorescent lighting coming from the eaves of the suspended.signs would be more pleasing visually with' this type of building. He thinks it appro- priate to move towards a high quality sign, and that the material should be of.a wood-type. Councilman Kraus stated that he thought Security Pacific could be more imaginable and could create something more than plastic for such a beautiful building design. Councilwoman Corr remarked that after looking at the pictures of the Carmel branch, she thought using gray and blue cSlors and saying something like "Customer Parking" would be appropriate for the parking lot sign, and approved putting the logo on the building with a wooden sign. She also agreed! with Councilman Matteoni's suggestion of a light coming from the e~ves. Mayor Bridges disagrees wi~h the possibility.of a wooden sign, for though they may be more rustic, he feels that they are not as clean and attractive as signs which are done in plastic. Most wood signs have problems wi.th weathering elements as to durability. Looking at the photographs and the scale model, he does not find Security Pacific's sign to be unattractive, and feels it to be important that businesses With branches in other communities to maintain some kind of u~iformity. As to the directional parking sign, he feels it early for anyone to design a sign in that area until installation by the parking district in order to ascertain what kind of sign is needed. He would not. like to give the impression that the driveway could not be used to go to other areas of the parking district, and feels ~hat this might create some confusion for the motorists. This is one of the chief reasons for the denial for a drive-up window, to preven6 car~ from lining up in the street and stopping traffi6 on Big Basin Way. A motion was made to deny the appeal of Security Pacific by Councilman Kraus, seconded by Councilman Matteoniia~d'~. ~'~arried.3 ~o=~,~,May~r Brid~es i~ Opposition. .-- -6- The City Manager asked the Council what the majority of the members thought would be appropriate so that Security Pacific could modify theirzproposal for their next Councilman Matteoni suggested that the indirect fluorescent lighting from the caves could be worked within the city ordinance, and Stated that,h~ would approve of an attractive combination 6f wood and plastic.for the sign construction. Councilman'Kraus felt that a rustic sign, even old-fashioned iron, Would be more appropriate. VIIL ADMINISTRATIVE MATTERS A. MAYOR B. COUNCIL AND COMMISSION REPORTS None. C. DEPARTMENT HEADS AND OFFICERS 1. Report from Director of Public Works Re: Safety Improvements near Marshall Lane School Bob Shook, Director o~ Public Works, stated he has a report indicating that he has talked to the principal of MarshalrLane School, and they have determined that for the purposes of collecting data, it would be more appropriate .to make a study on this request after school starts. Therefore, it is suggested we continue this matter to the meeting of October 19, atwhich time the staff will have a report for the Council. It was moved, seconded and carried!~"uZ['anim0usly"to table ~his-matterTtoTth~'~e;e~pgl~f?ct~L 1'9~~ 2. Report from Director Public Works Re: Guava Court - Pedestrian Crossing of Railr6ad Tracks Several months ago request for the improvement of the railroad crossing. between Guava Court and Fredericksburg Drive was made and the staff presented a report to the Council in January suggesting four alternates: 1. To do nothing. 2.To build a biTcycle ramp to replace the steps at the GUava Court end. '3. To execute a full improvement of the crossing. 4. To close the 'crossing altogether to eliminate potential.liability. -7-' It was suggested at that time to discuss the action with both S~uthern Pacific and P G & E. P G & E have no objection to the crossing, however, if there was to be an improvement, there would need to be protection againest people climbing on the adjacent towers, which would amount to a cost of $600-700. We received from Southern Pacific a sketch indicating what they would like to see in a fully improved crossing; which included paving of the pathway, protective gates, and fencing the pathway across the two rights of way. A fully improved crossing meeting the requirements of the P.U.C., Southern Pacific, and P G & E would cost about $30,000.00. Linda Callon~-~ Fredericksburg Drive, addressed the Council mentioning that a number of letters from neighbors had been sent to the Council requesting that the pathway be improved, and'that she had an additional letter with her. She said that all that the people in the neighborhood had asked for was an improvement to the Guava Court steps to makeit easier and safer for the children of ages six to fourteen to use the crossing. She mentioned that during summer school there were no buses for the children's use, and she thought that for the children's safety it would be better for them to use the pathway rather than go around by way of Saratoga Road. She felt that it would be silly to spend $30,000.00 to protect people at a crossing which has been in use for ten years without injuries, and did not want to see the crossing closed. Mr. Shook agreed that it would be unfortunate to have to close the crossing, but it might be necessary because of the liability problem. M~yor!LBri~ges._~ proposed an alternative pathway. which would use the existing railroad crossing at Cox Avenue, then follow theP G & E right-of-way to the existing improved path at Fredericksburg Drive. This would be less expensive than building a new railroad crossing and would avoid having to close the crossing completely. After discussion, the Council requested that the Public Works staff investigate this proposal and report back in 30 days. 3. Report from Director of Public Works Re: Reimburse- ment for Oversize Storm Drain Facilities - SDR #1285. Mr. Shook, Director of Public Works, reported that normally when a developer is required to install over- size storm drains the extra cost is dredited against his storm drain fees, or reimbursed from fees on surrounding development. In this particular instance, the surrounding property has already been developed and the fees paid, so there will be no funds forthcoming to · 00 reimburse the developer The oversizing cost is $6,99.0 and his own storm drain fees are $2,700.00. Staff recon~nends that the developer be reimbursed the remaining $4,290.00 out of the storm drain fund. -8- It was moved by Councilman Kraus to reimburse the developer $4,290.00 Out of the storm drain fund, and seconded by Councilwoman Corr. The motion passed unanimously. D. CITY MANAGER 1. City Manager's Report~ez Authorization of Expenditure for County-wide Liability Insurance Study The City Manager explained that this study by the Risk Management Group, Inc. is for the establishment of a self-insurance pool for a layer of excess liability coverage for all cities in Santa Clara County as well as the County. The total cost has been set at $13,000.00, with Saratoga's cost being $320.00, which is2.7% of the total. The report indicates that the liability insurance will be in the range of $86,000.002 It is recommended that the Council approve the completion of this study as it 16oks to be a potential benefit for the city. Councilman Kraus moved for the authorization of this expenditure, and Councilwoman Corr seconded the motion. The motion carried unanimously. ...... 2..ReSolution No. 829 A. RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF S~tP, ATOGA COMMENDING THE UNION OF AMERICAN HEBREW CONGREGATION'S "CAMP SWIG" The City Manager introduced resolution no. 829, stating that Camp SWig is celebratin~ its 25th anniversary and requests that the Council consider the adoption of this resolution. Mayor Bridges moved the adoption of re~olution no. 829, and Councilman Kraus seconded. The motion carried unanimously. VIII. COMMUNICATIONS A. WRITTEN 1. Mr. Edward W. Gomersall, requesting interest in continuing as a member of the Parks and Recreation Commission. -Noted and.filed. 2. Mr. Frank Horvath, 22122 Mr. Eden Road, concerning the appeal of the Planning Commission's Decision for Mr. Eden Road, February 1, 1977 (SDR 1175) The staff~wa~'7~k~d- ~o~p6~ at 'theTnext-Council me~ing 9P this~matt~r_~ ~_ '_I~j-_ ~- -~ ..... -9- 3. Mrs. Louise Schaefer, 19874 Park Drive, requesting reappointment to the Parks and Recreation Commission. - Noted and filed. 4. Mr. Stephen W. Fields, 21027 Comer Drive, requesting approval from the City Council for the construction of a tennis court and a swinming pool on their property. It was decided that this matter be brought up at the Committee of the Whole M~eting~of August 23 to give Council members time to view the land. 5. Mr. Erhie-Kell,.CSuncilm~n of~theLCit~of'Long Beach,~ requesting the City Council to support the enactment of a national no-fault vehicle liability system. Noted and filed. This matter to be handled individu- ally. B. ORAL Councilman Kraus spoke of recent phone call from Dr. Smith regarding the number of buses stopping and laying over at 3rd and Big Basin Way. Councilman Kraus said that he would get back to Dr. Smith with the exact informat.ion of the number of buses stopping at this location. IX. ADJOURNMENT It was moved by Councilman Matteoni and seconded by Councilman Kraus the meeting be adjourned. The motion was carried unanimously. The meeting was adjourned at 10 P.M. pect ubmitted, -10-