HomeMy WebLinkAbout05-21-1980 City Council Minutes..~_,5~,~_,.~ MINUTES
_2 .~f.L~I' -~, SARATOGA I, CITY COUNCIL --~ ...... ~' ·
TIME: Wednesday, May 21, 1980 - 7:30 PT~M.
PLACE': Saratoga!~City Council Ch~mbers,~ 13~777 Fruitvale Aver, saratoga, calif.
TYPE: RegUlar Meeting ,~
i. ORGANIZATION ORGANIZATION
A. ROLL CALL
Present: Celvenger, Jensen,
Mallory, Watson, Callon
Absent: None
B. MINUTES M/S:' CleVenger/Mallory to approve
the minutes of April 22, 1980.
Carried unanimously'.
II. COMMUNICATIONS
A. ORAL (Mayor commented relative to communi-
cations and public participation.
Advised that on notified public
hearings, the public has the right
to come forward and speak on the item.
Also, public input is welcome during
OP~L CO~fONICATIONS. It is up to
the discretion of the presiding
officer to allow discussion on
other agenda items. The Council
will hold evening office hours
prior to the twice-monthlyCity
Council Meeting, from 7:00 to 7:30 PM.i
1. Andrew Beverett, 19597
Via Monte Drive, Re: seque~c~ Mayor advised that the hearing would
of items on the agenda. be held prior to the matter of site
Requested holding public acquisition and improvements on
hearing on Housing Element Cox Avenue and Saratoga=Sunnyvale
(item V-A) prior to consider- Road.
ing item IV-C Re: affordable
housing, corner of Cox Ave..
and Saratoga-SUnnyvale Road.
2. Andrew Beverett, requesting Acknowledged.
that items pertaining to
senior citizens be placed
higher on the agenda
3~ Terrill Barco', 19101 Camino Mayor Callon requested these comments
Barco, re: proposed re- be forwarded in writing for in-
location of Post Office clusion with the public hearing on
facility. Addressed the this subject, scheduled for June 4,
questions of need, design, ~ 1980.
and money. He further
addressed the adverse impacts
of-the proDosed relocation,
and the fa~t that the City
Council has a say in this -
matter. .
/
= AGENDA XCTION
II. COMMUNICATIONS (Cont'd.)
A ORAL
4. Russell Crowther, 20788 The Mayor asked 'that the Council
Norada Court, Re: Measure re~d the material received from
"Av. Commented relative Mr..Crowther and be prepared to
to action in Morgan Hill, comment on it at the appropriat~
indicating that Measure time.
"E" is bei~g upheld, whilcb
is contrary to statements
by the City Attorney.
Mr. Crowther referenced'
material which he distri-
buted to the Council,
including information re:
the open space element
and Williamson Adt inven-
tories.; school site
development in relation t,
the open space element ant
the General Plan; oolicfes
and action programs to
implement policies for
hillside areas.
-' --5~-.-Jef~:'S~artfi, San Marcos Mayor Callon repeated her comments
-. Road, urging-the City earlier in the meeting relative
---~ Council to reconsider th'e to establishment of Council office
procedure currently used hours prior to the City Council
for citizen input to the Meeting. It was stressed the
City Council. importance of dealing with regular
agenda items, and this would not be
possible if unlimited discussion
were allowed on every subject.
B. WRITTEN
1. Letter from Mrs. Doro'thy Noted and filed.
Breeding, 5450'Mayme Ave.,
San Jose, rei the decline
of the City of Saratoga.'
2. Mr. and Mrs. Stephen Noted and filed.
DeBrock, 20546Reid t~ne,
endorsing David Moyles for
City Council va~.anCy.
3. Fran Mills, 20552 VerdeI .Noted ~ thi~ Fill be considered in
Court, requesting-that th~ ~'cdnjunction wit~'.the puSlic hearing
petition submitted on ' o~'th{~s subject.~
April 16, 1980, ~e: high
denisty,'low-cost housing
be continued.for inclusibr g -
with the Housing Element' '~ ;.,_
4. Dr. Bela Kraus, 18860 ~ Referre~ to ~ublic Works'staff for
Aspesi Drive,.re: d~ngerou;=review and a report back within 30
intersectio~ at Saratoga 'days.
Ave. and Dagmar Drive.
- 2 --
= ~, ~, AGENDA ACTION -
II. CO~4]JNICATIONS (Cont'd.)
B. WRITTEN · -".."-
5. League of Wome~:.Voters o~f Noted ~'d.'filed.
Los Gatos~Saratoga, indi~ "'
cating its continued
interest and support of '.
the HCDA Program.
6. Letter from 2~'residents Noted; letter .to be included with
of Saratoga expressing Public Hearing on this subject.
opposition to rent subsi-
dized housing in Saratoga,
particularly concerning
property on-Cox and
Saratoga-Sunnyvale Road.r
7. Mr. and Mrs. Russell Ellis Noted; letter to be included with
12970 Brandywine Drive, discussion at the Committee of the
recommending opposition to Whol'e Meeting on May 27, 1980, con-
petition requesting sub-' cerning this sub'ject.
stitution of a traffic
signal from Brandywine ant
Highway 9, to Blauer, Drive
and Highway 9.
8. John H. Tilton, 21172 Referred to Public Works/Inspection
Bank Mill ROad, Lot 11 of Services staff f6r review and report
' Tollgate subdivision, re: back to Council within 30 days.
oulvert flooding and
drainage problems on Bank
Mill Road.
9. Mr. W. R. Kanne, 19918 Noted; letter to be included with
Bonnie Ridge Way, Public Hearing on this subject.'
expressing approval of the
proposed Housing Element
amendment.
III. SUBDIVISIONS, BUILDI.NG SITES, SUBDIVISIONS, BUILDING SITES,
ZONING _REQUESTS ZONING REQUESTS
IV. PETITIONS, ORDINANCES, RESOLU~ONS PETITIONS, ORDINANCES, RESOLUTIONS
A. MEASUP~ "A" AND RELATED ISSUES
1. Hearing toshow cause w~y The City Manager recommended the
work and permits should= Council take action to determine
not remain suspended whetheror not these two applications
(Cont'd. from5/7/80) would be affected by Measure "A",
· ' and if so, schedule a hardship
a) 14123 Pike Road hearing..l'
(SDR-1445), Peter Nodns
b) 13800 Pierce Road Mallory/Jensen to include 'the two
lots under the provisions of
(SDR-1325), Thomas MeaSure "1", and. allow'the applii
Walker'
cants to appl~ for a ~ardship
hearing'. Carried unanimously.
- 3 -
'~ AGENDA ACTION
IV. PETITIONS, ORDINANCES, RESOLUTIO~ " .
A. MEASURE "A" AND RELATED ISSUE~
1.'Hearing to show cause why M/S: Mallor~/Jensen to schedule.
work and permits should a hardship hearing for the appli-
not remain suspended cation on 14123 Pike Road, Peter
!Cont'd. from 5/7/80 Noonan, for the dates of June 18
and July 2, 1980. Carried
unanimously.
Councilwoman Jensen further proposed
a field trip be scheduledto review
this site prior to the time of the
public hearing. It was agreed to
.schedule.this field trip prior to
the time' o~ the first hearing and
advise the applicant in order that
he be present..
Mayor Callon requested the City
Manager notify Mr. Walker con-
cerning his right to request a
hardship hearing.for the site
on Pierce Road.
2. Conside.ration of Resol~i~ Mr. Tichinin, Attorney, indicated
956, R~S~L_U_~_I~/~_~=~ this-c'~esolution i~=in follow up
.ApPROyI~Ji~APPLICATIONS FO[ to the Council's action on 5/7/80
LAND DEVELOPmeNT WITHIN to resolve to deny without prejudice
THE NORTHWEST HILLSIDES to either an application for hard-
AREA ship exemption or .subsequent appli-
cation after the specific plan was
prepared.those developments which
fall within the Measure "A" area
and are not exempted under "grand-
father" and good faith reliance
clauses of Measure "A", and which
would be in danger of being approved
by failure of the Council to act, and
during the period in which the
specific plan is being d~a~m up.
Mayor Callon suggested re-Wording
Section 3 of the resolution relative
to timing on approving or disapprov-
ing applications for development
projects, and suggested this be
modified in lin~ with Measure "A".
Mr. Tichinin suggested the following
wording he substituted in Section
3: "It is the intention of the
Council to complete the plan within
one year, or as soon thereafter as
feasible."
M/S: Mallory/Jensen' to adop[
Resolution 956, as.modified.
Carried unanimously.
- 4
~ AGENDA ACTION
IV. PETITIONS, ORDINANCES ~ 'RESOLUTIONS
A. MEASURE "A" AND RELATED ISSUES
3. Consideration of Report Mr~ T~chi~nin commented that the
from Legal Counsel Re: hardship criteria imposed by the
HardShip Criteria Council was acted upon on less
than a 4/5 vote of the Council~
Measure "A" standards require a
4/5 vote.
Councilman Watson requested re-
viewing the motion that was voted
on by the Council concerning hard-
ship criteria.
Mr. Tichinin stated the motion,
the me~ing of ApriI~22~
"Set up criteria to examine under
the hardship criteria standards· that
relate to owner-occupied buildings
to be built in the Measure A area.
There are to be single lots to be
owner-occupied; they do not have
to.be at the building permit process;
we will look at structures in pro-
, gress as a.possible Measure A
.exemptiOn; and we will ask for
information on granting relief if
· the unit would meet Measure A
standards, and grant some relief
from the moratorium based on that."
Mayor Callon advised that shehas
clarified'her intent of the motion
in a memorandum to the Council this
evening, requesting the Council re-
view this 'and be prepared to comment
at the next regular meeting.
\ 4. Public Hearing on Con-
sideration of Requests in
Accordance with the-
Provisions of Section 7 gf
Measure "A", Interim
Restrictions as Related to
Hardship Cases
a) Blackwell Homes Jim McKeehan, Attorney on behalf of
(Tract 6526) -~i~lSE)~ Blackwell Homes addressed the Council
Heindicated he has a Drepared state-
ment which he'would like readlinto
the record.
"This statement is submitted for
the purpose of,supporting Blackwell
Homes' previously submftt~d ~equest
that its residential development,
commonly known as the Parker Ranch
- 5 -
~ AGENDA ACTION
(Jim'McKeehan - Cont'd.)
be excepted from any moratorium im- it can constit~t{~hally bei~pp:lied,
po~ed as a direct or indirect result and shall th~refor~e 'apply to ~.li
of Measure A having, been passed and; pending deyelopments unless the
adopted by the City.' Blackwell'Ho~s propertyI~,wner has, before the .
request is based on two theories. effective dale'of this or~'ih~hcp~
The first theory is that'pursuant to 'both ob~;aine~ a-f~{~al ~ui.lding,""
Section 7 of Measure A, the e~tire permit ~nd· ~e'~onned~s~antia'~'
Parker Ranch project shall be exemDte~ worksand incurr'ed substantial
from the operation of Measure A. The liabilities in good'f~i%h reliance
second theory is that under Section 8 onsaid permit after Qbtaining it.'
of Measure A, the Parker P~nch is not .. ~. ~, ~" -
subject to the operation of the. The obvious p~pOs. e of 'Sedtio~k8 is
· initiative. Section 7 of the init{~-' to designate what projects do not
ti~e provides: come within the purview of the
'Pending final comgleti~n of the- 'InitiatiVe. If a final approval
requirements of Se'ction '3, no for a lot was obtained, two years
zoning changes, lahd divisions, s~ prior to the effective date of
divisions'~. buil'ding Or g~ading Measure A, or-if the developer has
permits'fo~ cons.tructioh of a new! a finalbuilding permit and has
residence, or other land develop- performed substantial work in
ment approvais of a~y kind shall be good faith reliance on the permit,
iss6ed in the subject area nor any ' then the Initiative does not even
' apply to those proj&cts and no
application accepted therefore; ·
exception need be granted by a
I. provided that upon a showing of 4/5ths vote of the City Council.
extreme hardship and in agreement
with the provisions of this
initiative, eXCeptions may bel Reading Section 7 together with
· Section 8, it is clear that Section
granted after two.noticed public
hearings by a 4/5ths v6te of the 7 is designed to deal with projects
'City Council ' that are requesting they be exempted
· ' . from the operation of Measure A
A reading Bf Section'7 makes it clear and Section 8 deals with projects
that do not come within.the scope
that the City Council, upon being
'sho~m an extreme hards'hip exists and. of Measure A.
that the proposed exception would be
consistent'with the purposes of the Therefore, in its application for
an exemption under the hardship
Initiative, may except.~ny project. provisions of Section 7 of the Act,
from the interim restrictions'that are Blackwell Homes is requesting that
imposed pursuant to.Section 7.. THis. its project, in its entirety, be'
means that upon a prope~showing be exempted from the application.of
the City Council can permit zoning Measure A, because to not do so will
changes, grant building or grading ~ cause an extreme hardship, and the
permits for construction of new
residence~ and all other land develop- Parker Ranch development is in
agreement with the purposes and pro-
ment approvals necessary to construct visions of the Initiative. To
and selt a. Subdivision project. support the proposition that the
'The right to' grant exceptions pursuant failure to exempt the Parker Ranch
from the operation of Measure'~"
to Section 7 should not be confused would constitute an extreme hardship,
with'Section 8 of the Act which pro-: Blackwell Homes would like to draw
vides: the Council's attention to the
'No part of this ordinance sh~ll following facts:
apply to an~ lot that has. received 1. This City Council' has apparently
final approval two years.or more
prior to the effective date'hereofl adopted the position that economic
Subject only'to the foregoing hardship is no,t ,releVant'to the con-
.exception, this ordinance shall cept of extreme hardship as expressed
apply to every,development to which in the Initiative. I say'apparently'
~ A~GENDA ACTION
(Jim McKeehan - Cont'd.) ': ' "
because the Council has said ~hat'an approximately $3,723,000'to bring
owner building his own residence does' % the ~roperty.'i~tO a'eondition where
qualify for extreme hardship. Such: .residential lOts~.ap_be developed
a position is totally ineonsistentas and sold. This money was spent in
the only hardship single and multiple good faith and in the belief that
home builders suffer in a moratorium the Tentative Map'which was approved
is economic. The only difference i~ by the C~ty Council and the Planning
' the multiple home builde~ suffers' Cd.mmission was !a Valid map.
greater economic loss t~an the single *Essentially; ~all the money was spent
home builder. Essentially, this after the Tentative ~{ap was approved
Council has said that the party -: and was spent in an effort to satisfy
suffering the least hardship suffers'. the various conditions of the .
extreme hardship, while ~he party '- Tentative Map. From an economic
suffering the most hardshfp does not'. standpoint, the amount of money the
Such a position is inconsistent, developer is willing to spend on
illogical and violarive of suchbasi'c a project is in'direct proportion
constitutional provisions,as equal ' to the number of units that the.
protection of the laws and due proce's~ developer is-permitted to build in
.' :" ~ connection with.'that project.
To date, Blackwell Homes has spen6 Obviously, if the number of units are
$3,481,000 to develop the Parker Ranc[ gre~ter, the amount of. improvements
units 1 and 'of y :
is $478,000 construct are greater because the
referred to in the development' cost ofthose.improvements can be
· business as "off-site improvements".. spread over a wider base. it is
7' Off-site improvements are those that: elementary.that if you are going
are done f6r the benefit of th& City: to build two houses, you cannot afford
or are not allocable to either unit tospend $1,000,000 in'ma. king off-
of the project. As was previo.us.ly site improvements because you only
pointed out in the statement sub- have two houses to share the improve-
mitted to the City Council at th? ment costs. Whereas, if you are-
meeting on ~pril 22; 1980, a sub- going to build 100 houses,. then you '
stantial portion of the off-site can afford perhaps to build $1,000,000
improvements that were:pUt in by . 'of improvements because instead of
Blackwell Homes consisted of drainage each house having to bear. one-half
improvements designed to p.rotect sub~ of the cost of the improvements,
divisions such as the.the A~ro~0 de' each house now only bears 1/100th
.Arguello from continuing to suffer th{ of the cost of improvements. There-
same historical flooding that it has: fore, Blackwell Homes'willingness
suffered in the past. This flooding. to spend over $3,700,000 to develop
was not caused or aggravated by the · the property and install the off-.
development'of PaCker Ranch. .At the; site impTovements that were re-'
City's request, Blackwell Homes has quested by the City was a direct
spent a large sum of money to protec~ function of the number of units that
downstream:subdivisions from drainage 'the City permitted Blackwell to. con-
problems which are. not caused or re- struct. To modify the number of
lated to the development of'the units that Blackwell Homes is
Blackwell property. To re'quire permittedto build on the project
Blackwell Homes to. spend a large sum would substantially adversely affect'
of money to protect other homeOwners- the economic feasibility' of the pro-
and solve their drainagepr6blems, ject, as each home will have to
and' then prevent Blackwell. fr6m bear.,a larger portion of the cost
developing their o~rn property w6uld be of the porject. Needless to say,
the height 'of inequity. Additionally,~.',a~,!~me'poifff; 'the market will not
from a financial standpoint, Blackwell p~rmit th&;ho~esto be sold for a
Homes has obligated itse:lf to spend an price necessary,~to recover the
additional $235,000 to complete the , cost. of all the improvements. At
improvements that were requiredby t~e that Point, th~ proje&t becomes not
Tentative Map approval.' Upon com- ' :,only~ ~c6pa~i~ltygRfeasible, but
pletion'of these improvements, a substantial amgu~t of money will
Blackwell Homes will have spent '.:.
- 7 - ~
~ AGENDA ACTION
(Jim McKeehan - C0nt'd.)
be lost because the houses cannot be improvement costs per home is
marketed at a price necessary to re- tripled. With land vatue~ included
turn all of the investment that was in Unit I, the lot cost goes from
required by the City. Surely, this. $228,000 to $397,285, and in Unit II,
kind of economic imDact creates an from $248,000 to .$434,782.
extreme hardship and is the type that Tragically, the home buyer'~[ill
was contemDlated by Section 7 of gets 'the same lot...
Measure A.
4. A fourth problem which the
2. In addition to the monies that City must address is that Subdivision
have already been spent, should a Map '6528 was granted a one-year
moratorium be imposed which would in- extension on February 27, 1980. This
clude the Parker Ranch, Blackwell 'means that'the Final Map must be
Homes would be compelled to carry the recorded on or before February 27,
property during the moratorium period 1981, and that prior to the recording
At the present cost of money,.the cos of the Final Map, all of the con-
of carrying the Drolect is aDproxi- ditions imposed by the Tentative Map
mately $10,000 p~r ~eek, plu~what-' must be met. The'Final Map for
ever re~l property taxes are assessed 6528 is presently before the City
against the property~ This cost will Staff for its review in connection
eventually be passed on to the home with Blackwell Homes' request for
buyers which means that the'~uyers Final Map approval. Should the
will be paying more and getting less. City impose a moratorium pursuant
because a portionof what they will be to Measure A, theoreticaliy, that
paying will go to pay the finance moratorium will l~st for at least
charges of carrying the property, one year, and could last longer~if
which money has not produced any the Specific Plan that is to be
better product for the ultimate con- developed pursuant to the Initiative
~umer. Additionally,'should the takes longer than one year to de-
number of units be reduced, the pro- velopo This would mean that the
portionate amount of the carrying Final Map could not be aDDroved
costs that each homeox~ner will have tc prior to the date of~exp{~ation,
bear will increase and there is the which is February 27, 1981.
potential for the same type of prob-= Essentially, this would mean that
lem that was previously noted above, the City had approved a Tentative
namely, at some point the ~arket will Map for Blackwell Homes' Parker
not bear the cost that will have to be Ranch development; that Blac~ell
charged to the houses in order to Homes had done substantially ~11
redeem the amount of money that was the improvements requested and spent
put into the property to develop it. in excess of $2,.000,000 satisfying
those Conditions; and that the City
3. If this Council does not think refused to process the Final Map,
that hardship to the developer is thereby forcing the Map to die
important, perhaps it will consider because it did not get approved
hardship to the future citizens of :within the time limit set forth
your City. Much is made of the cost by the City's Ordinance. It is
of housing in Santa Clara County. Ouz difficult to think of a more
engineer computed the increased cost- inequitable position than the City
Der'lot caused solely by spreading th~ requiring certain work to be done
cost of improvements the City has re- within a specified time in order to
quired' over the minimum number of .obtain a Final Map, that work being
units Measure A would permit accordin~ done at great cost and then the City
to the City Staff's re~ort versus the refusing to process the Map, thereby
number of units presently allocated. killing the Map because the time
Parker Ranch. In Unit I, the improve- limitations have expired. This type
ment cost goes from $78,090 per home of hardshiD is clearly the type that
to $247,285. In Unit.II, the improve- the City Council should avoid when
ment costs go from $97,425 per home exercising its discretion to exempt
to $284,782. In other words, the projects from the operation of
MeaSure A.
- 8
~ AGENDA ~ ACTION
-' (Jim.~{.cKeehan - Co{~t'd.) "" ' ' ~' '~
.5. Based upon the approval of the' being able to make the improvements
Tentative Map and with regard to thereby suffering a severe and un-
Subdivision 6526, based upon the warranted further financial loss
approval of the Final Map,..Blackwel! while the City would receive an
Homes has entered into contracts with inequitable windfall.
third parties and obligated themselves
to spend money and'have in fact spent 7. Blackwell Homes has also
money pursuant to those third party, entered into a Maintenance Agreement
contracts. For example, Blackwell with the City of Saratoga regarding
Homes has entered into a contract with the landscaping, wherein Blackwell
the Sanitary District and has done HOmes ~as agreed to maintain land-
approximately $85,000 of work which. scaping in the project for a.period
Blackwell Homes was bonded to perform. of two years and then for the home-
Additionally, Blackwell Homes had paid -owners association to maintain the
.~o-.San ~_~ Works $57,'000, which was landscaping. Blackwell Homes has
to be refunded as people connected to spent approximately $62,000 on land-
the system and haveobligafed.them-i scaping to date, 'and unless the'
selves to spend another $35',000 for~ main'tenance is done, the landscaping
.. materials which San Jose Water Works will be lost. Specifically, if the
" purchased for the construction of t~e~ existing landscapingis not adequately
construction of the storage' tank for watered in khe summer months,.it
Unit 2. Additi0nall~, Blackwell ~ will Certainly be destrqyed. If.
.has contracted With.'Pacific Gas'and. the City of Saratoga is to stop all
Electric Company and ha~ deposited Z ,~construction of.the Parker Ranch,
- '$~6,000 which is to be reimbursed asr then it is asSumed'.that Blackwell
home p~rchaserS conneCt. to. their , Homes will not be permitted to
system. To prevent the construction~ maintain the landscaping. On the'
of ParkerRanch woul~ mean that wor~ other hand,'if the City permits
for the Sanitary Distritt.wouldbe- Bl'ac~ell Homes'to maintain the land-
fo~ naught. All the-.money deposited scaping, then it should also permit
to San Jose Water Works andlPacific Blackwell Homes to.construct out the
Gas and Electric Co..might well be balance. of its units because the same
. lostin its entirety. It is to be logic that permits the maintaining of
remembered that on the one hand, the: the landscaping would also permit
City of Saratoga required Blackwell' Blackwell Homes to construct out its
Homes to do these things and Blackw~l project so that it will not lose the
Homes,'based on thos'e requirements and behefit of the money and improve-.
in good fai~h~ did' them. .To'now ~ ments i~has installed tO date.
change direction in midstream would Theoretically, saving the land-'
work an'extreme financial hardship On "' scaping would~be done because th~
· Blackwell. Homes, as well as discredit ~'.~it~w~d~di~nSt ~a~t to.see the money
th'e integrity o~ the City. ~ '-. for the landscaping lost. Onthe
other hand, Blac~qell Homes has
6. In connection with the develop-' spent'considerablq more money on
ment of the Parker Ranch. and at the. ~' the imp~gveTnents and'development of
request of the City, Blackwell Ho~eS' t~'Par~er 'Ranch,'and' if the main-
has submitted improvement Plans and tenance .of the landscaping is to be
bonded those plans.. There. iS a one-. permitted so that a $62,000 invest-
year time limitation for the con- ment is not lost, then ~ertainly
struction of those improvements, and' the completion of the Parker Ranch
with the proposed moratorijm, it'WiI1 ~ should b~ permitted so that a $481,000
be impos'sible to construct the investment tis not lost.
impro~ements,'although Blackwell Homes
is bonded for them. This could place 8. Blackwell Homes has deposited
· ., Blackwell Homes in the position.of ~. with the City a cash bond of $5,000
losing its entire bonded ~mount;'no~ to assure that the grading is com-
~' pletedon Prospect Road. If there
~ AGENDA ACTION
(Mr. MeKeehan - Cont!d.)
lis to be a moratorium, then is the slopes, potential landsliding and.
,'.~ity 'to return the cash bond or is other geotechnical hazards, develop-
grading to-be~ompleted? If the ~ ment at the maximum densi,~y allowed
grading is not to be.completed,. then 'under the present zoning requires
it is possible that the work that is excessive grading, unacceptable
to be done to ProSpect Road'will be erosion, destruction of natural
lost and if the City would eveS want topography and degradation of'
the benefit of that work in the " natural drainage systems,- all 'con-
future,.it will have to do the work: trary to the objectives of the
itself. General Plan. (3) Maintenance of
streets and storm drains of new
9. At the present time, Blackwell! hillside development pose~ financial
Homes holds 4 building permits and ~as risk for the City.
begun pouring.foundations on those
lots. Assuming the City is to per- 'It would appear to Blackwell Homes
mit further constructiDnon those 4. that if the problems that are noted
lots, then the question arises as to above have been dealt with in a
what off-site improvements the City proposed development, then an
is going to require Blackwell!Homes exception based on extreme hardship
to complete in order to build out and of that deve.lopment would be con-
sell the 4 lots. Certainly, the City sistent with the provisions of the
is not going to require that Blackwell initiative.
Homes make all the improvements 6hat
were set forth on the TentAtive Map With regard~to the Pierce Road prob-
for'those improvements were based on lem that was noted, the City Council's
95 homes being constructed. It Would attention is dra~,~n to the fact that
be economically unfeasible to spread the access between Pierce Road and
the cost of improvements over 4 the 26 lots of the Parker Ranch
houses, and therefore, the City must subdivision that connect to Pierce
address the issue of what improvement~ Road is such that the point of
· -are required i£ the 4 lots are per- connection is to a portionof Pierce
mitted to be built out. : Road which ~s a relatively straight
line road'and is not part of the
Based on the factual situations that: 'portion of Pierce Road which is
are set forth above, Blackwell Homes. referred to in the Initiative as
respectfully submits that a showing of being hazardous. Additionally, in
extreme hardship has been made. T~iS 'connection with the Parker Ranch,
being the fact, the next question is it would be relatively simple to
whether or not an exception to the 7 tie together the Parker Ranch and
Parker Ranch would be in agreement Star Ridge Court Streets, thereby
with the provisions of the Initiative providing secondary access for
Toward that end, it is important to those 26 lots. This alternative
review the purposes of the Initiative access would not involve undue cost
Section 1 of the Initiative deals'witI or destruction of rural character
findings. Subparagraph (d) states: asia.the concern expressed in the
"Development experience since 1974 findingsset forth above.
indicates that these problems are con-
siderably more serious than contem-. With regardSto the slopes and geo-
plated in 1974. Specifically, (1). The technical hazards which are discussed
only access to the areais Pierce Road in the findings, those problems have
which is hazardous even at the present been thoroughly examined and miti-
rate of traffi.c. Moreover, the only gation measures have been incorpor-
solution to improving access is to ated in the Tentative Map for the
make ~_~xpe~ve improvements to Pierce Parker Ranch project. The Parker
Road or to~ons truct an alternative Ranch project has had geotech~ical
access road, both of which would in- studies, geological studies, soils'
vo!ve undue cost and destruction of: studiesland erosion and landscaping
rural character. (2) Because of steep
- 10
~ AGENDA ACTION
(Mr. McKeehan - Cont'd.)
studies. These studies have been con- area, as common area, as well as
dueted-by experts.,_-revfewed--by--o.the~ ~a n~o~c%n~gtX{sgmgRtg
recommendations of all those' parties of the project area.. Additionally
have been incorporated in the finhi. ridge route home ~i~eS"ha~d been
design aspects of the Parker Ranch. eliminated'to preserve the scenic
The positioning of the s'treets and ~he beauty of the ridges.
design of fie home sites have taken.
into eohsideration all of the geoteeh- The above suimary establishes clearly
nical findings. The houses have be~n that the development' meets all of
designed to fit the terrain. Grading the concerns and purposes that are
has been done by contouring and expressed in the findings of
erosion control and landscaping has. Measure A. Therefore, Blackwell
been incorporated in the entire pro-2 Homes requests that the City
jeer. Each lot has its own foundstier Council instruCt. the City .Staf~ to
review and appr0val<ih'd.when appro- process the Final ~ap for Subdivision
priate~retainfng' walli have been 6528; process building--permits for
interpolated to alleviate excessive· both ~aps 6526 and 6528; and grant
grading. Natural drainage has b~in' all other,?permits ordinarily
improved, over-grazing will be elimin- necessary to construct the residen-
inated and previously uncontrolled tial subdivision.
run-off will be halted. Blackwell·
Homes suggests respectfully and In the beginning of this statement,
it was noted that the second ground
anticipates that the City and County
will agree that the slope and land-' for not applying MeasUre A to the
- Parker Ranch was based on the theory
slide problems and other geetechnical
hazards that could have been created that Section 8 specifically excludes
as a result of developing the Parke~ Parker Ranch from the scope of the
Ranch have been studied,'resthdied Initiative. Section 8 provides that
and provided for in the designnor'the the ordinance shall apply to those
projects. An example is the fact that developments to which it can coneli-.
the ancient landslide area has been. tutionally be applied. This means
dedicated to open space. Additionally, that if the ordinance cannot be
the development does not provide fo~ eons~itutionally applied to a project,
the maximum density which wou!d be then it should not be. In-that
permissible under HC-RD zoning as ease, there would be no necessity
maximum density would permit 105 lots for the City Council to grant an
and the Parker Ranch has 95 lots. exemption. All that is necessary
Hith regard to maintenance of streets is that the City Council find that
and storm drains, Blackwell Homes the ordinance cannot constitutionally
would like to call to the attention' be applied to the project and there-
of the City Council that the streets:.* fore, the limiting provisions of the
ordinance would have~no application
have been designed to the highest
engineering standards and the storm to the project. In this case, it
is the position of Blackwell
drains have been over-de~igned to 'that cohstitutionally ~easurefdB~'s~N
.eliminate problems previously exper-!
fenced in older developments. The not apply to any portion of the
streets that are being constructed ! Parker Ranch project. In light of
and the storm drains that have been. the money that has been spent and
constructed will be cheaper to main- the progress which has been made by
Blackwell Homes in development of
lain than other streets and storm
drains in the City that have not been the Parker Ranch, all based on the
in accordance with the latest speei- Tentative Hap approvals and other
· approvals given by the City of
fitaliens. Saratoga, to halt the project at
Concerning open space, the project has the present time, clearly yiolates
dedicated 67 acres or 30% of the entix ~he principles laid.doxrnby the
Supreme Court in Youngblood vs.
- 11 -
/
AGENDA ACTION
(Mr. McKeehan - Cont'd.
Board of Supervisors.. T~ stop de- .~ounci~p~qp.~e are not judges or
veloDmentof the four lots in which =.~aW~er~% ~HOw~r~, having assumed
Councilmen,~~
Blac~¢ell Homes already has building the pO'Sition~of'City also assum~
perknits and has done substantial wS~k the City Council must
in good faith.would vi6late the p~inci the burdens of the office. As part
pals laid down in Transoceanic O~1 of{the bu~d~n's ~f 'C~e office is the
Corp. vs. Santa Barbaral -.. fact-that if thel City.Council vio-
lates the consitional rights of a
Furthermore, to say that-Measure A personS' they are personally subject
applies to Tentative MaDs Which to a sUi~ in federal court for
have p'~eviously been approved by.the damages caused by the violation of
City of Saratoga would violate that right.~ This principle has been
Blackwell Homes' right to equal pro= recently expressed by the United
tection under the law as the City of States Supreme Court in the case of
Saratoga has for some time had within Owen vs. City of Independence,
its own ordinances a provision statin Missouri, which decision was issued
that the cutoffdate for determining by the Uni'ted States Supreme Court
whether a site meets the legal area, on April 15, 1980. In that case,
frontage, width and depth r~quireme~t the Supreme Cou.~t held that the
of-the respective zoning.regulations. city and individual city council .
of-the City of.Saratoga was to be people of the City of Independence,
determined at the time tha Tentativ~ Missouri were liable for suit brought
Map was approved. Furthermore, pursuant to Section 42 USC Section
'Section 8.5, Appendix A of the CitY l 1983 wherein the plaintiff claims
of Saratoga Zoning Drdinance/p~ovideZs that the defendent city and its
that Final Maps mus.t comply with law's officers violated his constitutional
applicable at the time the Tentative' right to due'process. It must. be
Map is approved. To apply different~ noted that the case specifically held
criteria to the application ~f that there was no immunity based on
Measure A seems to. be not only incon- good faith and that whether or not
s{stent zoning butan unequal appli-. the City Council or the City acted
-cation of the law in violation of the in good faith was not a defense to
Equal Protection provisions of the the action. If the action of this
United States Constitution. City'Council results. in the violation
Additionally, as the Initiative hasI pl of a constitutional right and subse-
provision for compensating landowners quent damages, this City and its
whose property is to be tied up in a: City Council people are liable for
moratorium, the Act constitutes a ~ those damages. I remindsyou at the
.' taking of property and the use of that present time Blackwell Homes is
proDerty without compensation, andis suffering damages of not less than
in violation of the Fifth Amendment $10,000 per week.
of the United States Cons·titution and
Article I, Section 14 of the Californ~ Let me. say, Blackwell Homes has no
COnstitution.. desire to bring a lawsuit against
the City or any of its governing
For the reasons expressed above, -members to recover damages for
Blackwell Homes would respectfully r~- violation of its constitutional
quest that its project be determined: rights. However, .BlackWell Homes
not to be subject to MeaSure A and 'L~- is not in the position to have in-
that a'finding be made by the City vested $3.7 million and to permit t~e
-' 'Council t~at constitutionally the ~ City to.-unilaterally withdraw its
project 'is not subject to~th~.pro- approval of that project and signi-
visiohs of the.Initiative. ficantly alter the nature of the
· ~ project, which alterations could
At thi~ point, Blackwell Homes would well result in the project becoming
like to express that it'is .aware'of a'financial disaster 'to Blackwell
the fact that the City ~ouncil is no~ Ho~es. Needless to say, if such is
a ~ourt of .law and that the' Cit~. t ~th'e ca~land s~oUtd .those facts
- 12
~. ,,, AGENDA ACTION
(Mr. McKeehan - Cont'd.) ~
evolve, Blackwell Homes will have no Mr. Crowther, 20788 Norada Court,
alternative but t6 look to the City commented that he believes it is
and its-governing body for compen- ' ridiculous in any way for Blackwell
sation. However, I want to'reiter.ate Homes to hold the City Council re-
that Blackwell Homes considers such sponsible, as all it is doing is
an approach to be unnecessarX and ' enforcing a measure which the public
th~ '~f @~I-i'~:i~ ~h~' 'F~'s~'=fh~Fe~'~ ,i passed. Section of' Measure A 'speci-
of all' ~r%~i~ '{6~ YtF~'~{~'~{1'~ fically indicates that "upon showing
to properly review'this request ahd~ of extreme hardship and in agree-
grant what we consider to be a valid ment with the provisions of this
claim for'either a hardship exemption initiative that the Council may
or in the alternative, a finding tha't grant exceptions." Therefore, he
cqnstitutionally the Initiative does believes any exception the Council
not apply to the Parker Ranch project. grants has to be in agreement with
.... the provisions of the Initiative.
Mr. Crowther made specific reference
Councilwoman Jensen inquired of Mr. to the density issue and the straight
Tichinin if therewere details'on line slope density versus density
the Independence, Missouri case. ~ formula, p'ointing out that the
present Saratoga ordinances use a
Mr. Tichinin commented that he com- straight-line slope density equation.
Dietely disagrees with Mr. McKeehan's
conclusion in this casethatcoUncil Mr. Crowther commen~ed he belie~e~
members arein any way liable when it is inappropriate to include cost
they are acting in good faith. The, considerations that date back to the
case held that the City could be held first application on.this project,
liable if it had violated the consti- in that there was previous approval
tutional rights of the complaining of this project and a referendum
party, butso long as the public of the Council's decision, which was
official as .an individual conducted put to ballot and the public Voted
.himself in good faith, he was immune. it down.
CoUncilwoman Jensen requested Mr. With respect to off-site improvements,
McKeehan submit names of people who ~ Mr. Crowther commented that the EIR
have interest in the corporation that for this project indicates Prospect
he represents. Creek flow rates would be increased
by 30%. He indicated he believes the
Mr. McKeehan indicated Blackwell Home: improvements that were made would be
consists of.3 separate corpo{ations:. a'questionable adequacy if the
Jack Blacl~ell, Inc., Ken Blackwell, development went ahead as planned,
Inc., and Northern California Savings and there is litigation with re-
and Loan. spect to this. He indicated there
are 2 law suits involved -- one is
COuncilman Mallory requested Mr. related to the Circulation Element.
McKeehan provide more specifics con- There is a law suit specifically
cerning number of lots and financialr related to the project; part of the
impact. basis for this is that the open
space element of the Saratoga General
Mr. McKeehan indicated he i~laware ! Plan is inadquate and Saratoga has not':
.there are different interpretations ~' passed a valid open space z0ningr~
of Measure A, as far as density. The o~dinance to implement its open
one which they have adopted is the ~ space action programs. He further
one prepared by the Cit~ Staff.~ The~ expressed concerns relevant to
have taken the improvement costs for' geologic and hydrology studies,
the lots, spread this. over 95 units,; indicating these studies are not
and then spread this over the number7 complete and the impacts of flooding
of units in the City Staff's memorandu of Calabazas are-still unknown.
'thatthey would have under Measure'A,:
which is 33.
13 -
~ AGENDA · ACTION
IV. PETITIONS, ORDI~]ANCES, RESOLUTION: (Mr. Swartz~.Cont~'d.)
(Cont'd.)
asslignme~tsb and a number of 0the~
A. ~ASURE "A" AND RELATED ISSUES personal hardships whf.ch h~ye~n~'
~'.' P~ii~"~'e~{~'~ ~on-' "'~ direct ~elations.hip to econom!c~
· .--,- Also, he believes the Council should
' ~iderat{oh' df~e~e~ ~n look very seriously, if they ~o
Accordance with the Pro- get near economic interest, at the
visions of Section 7 of.: question of land'values and house
Measure "A", Interim · values.
Restrictions as Related tO
Hardshi~ Cases Vince Garrod, Mt. Eden Road,
commented thatlit ~hOuld~e-re~
a) Blackwell Homes, ~ membered that'this ~ubdivis~on
(Tract 6526) - lst) has been well planned and well
thought.:out and engineered. Also,
(Mr...Crowther - Cont'd.) it has :to be fe~ognize~ ~ha~ ~..
Saratoga needs hOUsing.of ~om~. ~;!'..
Mr~ Crowther stated he believes kind, although it doesn't necessarily
there would be adequate basis for need increasingly more expensive
stopping everything, including the housing. Also, it is.important to
4 building permits that have alread~ remember tha.t a city is a place to
'been issued'i If they'are permitted' live in,-not'a place 'f0~' somebody.
to go ahead with the 4 building ~' to drive through and look 'at.' He
sites.that have been approved, this urged that the City Council in
should be done so that it will not: using its discretion, to be con-
interfere with the Circulation Plan siderate and fair, and recogpize
Also, he believes they should meet the obligations that other people
the criteria of Measure A -- : have put up, aS there is no other
particularly the density criteria'.~ hardship than economics,
He:indicated that he believes .
~lm0s~ ~ey '~e~bpment that has Mr. McKeehen requested that the
~e~'~ppr~v~'~fi'the' hills probabl~ council provide direction with
has very strong economic criteria, respect to landscaping on the
and if you open it for one, the Parker Ranch at the present time.
City would have to open'it for '-
everybody and it would"defeat the~ .It was the concenshs of the Council
purpose and function of what the to allow maintenance of landscaping.
voters passed, (Mrs. Jensen in opposition.)
Mayor Callon ordered that the ..
-Willem Kohler, Via Regina, commente~ public hearing be continued to ·
regarding the subject of economics. June 4, 1980.
He suggested the City Council look:
atclustering in a wider perspective b) McBain & Gibbs,'Ind.'
than in the past. He stated that (Tract 6628'; lst)
he is convinced that a developer ;
could come out economically better! The Mayor opened the publ{~ hea~ing
· if he could condense their plans, · at 9:40 P.M.
resulting in less homes, larger "
homes, and a tremendously less cost Marvin Burns, Attorney-representing'
in improvements and energy savings, McBain add Gibbs, Inc., addressed
the Council. He pointed'out that-
Jeffrey SwartZ, San Mardos Road, McBain and Gibbs are the owners of
commented he believes there are Tract 6628, which was approved
other considerations which are non- unanimously as a subdivision by'
economiC, and he ~ould urge that f Resolution 1354-1, on November 7,
the Council consider these kinds. 1979. The tract consiSt~ of'44
of hardship rather than economic acres and 19 lots. O~'of!=th&_7:
hardship. Examples.ef these migh~~ ,t~rfnhip~'.'-~s~7:~a~i~T~o 'resides
be: children!~ timing in Switching {n~sa~afisF~-~l-~he~ ...
"schools, people switching job grading and building permits 'for
'· - 14 -
AGENDA' . ACTION
MarVin Burns.- Cont'd.).
the constrUction'of Subdivision im-! requires that a legislative body of
provements, and then to build houses'. a city or County. shall deny approval
on the 19 lots. of a final or tentaCive map if it
· makes any of the following findings.
I must emphasize that our.purpose, as Amonst them is that the site is not
is the purpose-of Blackwell Homes., is physically suitable' for'the type of
not to fight with anyone, not to ca~S~ development. That"finding waS~'ot
law suits; not to threaten-anyone, bu~)~made. ~Th·e other-findings of .~he
as a matter of procedure'and practice ,S~di~isiS~ M~p.'Act were not made.
we must raise all the matters w~ in=. because the tract maps, both tenta-
tend to .raise in a law suit so that: tive and final, were 'approved.
you are advised of our p'osltion. ~ ~ ,.. Hence, ~ll,:of ,th~ items that are '.
Also, it is fair tO you. to know wha.t[· addreSs~'d'by~Measure A have been
our position is. .I think it would b!e addre~e~ by the City. Council, by the
unfair .~6~'to'~6i~f~8~7'6~tT~' ~igh~ Ciqy ~. Saratoga, and they have been
have in~i~dd'ai'Y~i~i~.!f~bi~l~fe'~i~ ' found {n' favor of the development of
a law suit. the tract. To now say that they
-- are in viOla~ionof the ordinance
The tract is located.at.the end of iS Ito Ery:in'~he face of the pre-
Tollhouse Road. It is.not off of or vious approval~ and I don't think
connected to Pierce Road. This tra~t you legally havelthe power to do
has had a final map approved, andin. that.
connection with that approval, the
City and the owner entered into a The ordinance further, being a
contract, which is dated October ~9, moratorium,.has been enacted in
1979. In the'event that our'clien~ ~ violation of ~SV~D~h~d~:~eji~ibn
is unable to proceed'with the develop- 65858, which prescribes the only'
mentof this tract, it is our view me'thod in Califqrnia for the enactment
that'the initiative impairs the of a moratorium. It is limited to
obligation of the contract, which is. 4-month periods initially, and-then
constitutionally forbidden; that the 8-month periods. Enactment of a
actions of.the City Council interfere moratorium by initiative by a city,
with their Drospect~ve'economic' as distringuished from ~e State (the
advantage and their ability to reali~z~ Coastal Act is the most prominent
that it is a breach of contract, for'. moratorium), is forbidden in effect,
which the City'is liable. : because the State of California.has
' pre-empted or occupied the area --
With respect to the ordinance~ the the City is powerless to act. You
development thatis about to take as representatives of the people
place on this tract is consistent wi.t~ could not enact a moratorium, except
the ordinance. First of alI, it does in compliance with the Government
not have access to Pierce Road. Its Code 'section, and the people cannot
access is via Tollgate Road, and a either. The ordinance itself has
limited ~cceSs for emergency purposes. an exception for lots for which
via Canyon View Drive. There is no final approval has been obtained
geotechnical hazard on the property,. 2 years prior to its effective.
which has not.been addressed or re-+ date. There is no apparent reason
solved in the subdivision approval -why 2 y~ars is the marker. Why
process by either yod or your prede-~ isn't it 1 year or 6 months or 1
cessors. The Council of this city month or whatever? That being so,
has approved this subdivision. "In the ordinance violates the Equal
that connection, it has made all the Protection clause of the Constitution
findings that were.requiredby, and to which Mr. McKeehan referred, and
has not found the things prohibited under which we all.live. Further,
by, the Subdivision Map Act. The the exception apparently that is
Subdivision Map Act covers each of the sought for owner-builders, is dis-
recitals of the Initiative. So tha6, tinguished from builders of two
for. example, the Subdivision Map Act or more lots, would likewise violate
~ the Equal Protecti. on clause. We
15 -
" ~ ~ ° AGENDA ACTION S~/~
(Marvin Burns - Cont'd.
do not believe there is'any difference stitutional rights, and that he
between an owner-builder and a person was entitled to monetary damages.
or corporation building 2 lots or 8 California Supreme Court held that he
lots or 19 lots. Further, the initi- was not entitled to monetary damages
ative is invalid because it performs -- that his sole remedy was fora
an adjudicative, rather than legis- Writ of Mandate. The U. S. Supreme
lative, function. We believe the law Court accepted the jurisdiction,
is that determining for a specific which they don't ordinarily do in
limited area, whether or not a mora-. cases of such character, and they
torium should be granted -- whether or are about to decide it. If the
not certain zoning regulations should result is, as I suspect that it
be had -- whether or not it should will be, that a down-zoning which
be treated in a special manner -- is reduces value appreciably results in
an adjudicative matter, not a legis- a denial of constitutional 'rights,
lative matter. Adjudicative matters then it follows that a moratorium
are not the proper subject of an for a year or more which deprives
initiative. There is a case in Suprem~ you of all economic use during that
Court now awaiting hearing called period of time, likewise deprives
Arnel vs. City of Costa Mesa, in you of constitutitional rights.
which the lower courts held that a Our position is that this city, as
similar ordinance of the City of Costa I indicated previously, has given
Mesa was ruled to be invalid as an McBain & Gibbs final discretionary
initiative measure because it applied approval of the development so that
to a limited area, rather than to a the ordinance cannot constitutionally
general area of the city, and to all be applied to them. You cannot,
zones within the city. In that con- under due process of law, say to a
nection, since it is an adjudicative person, "Go ahead, spend a lot of
matter, McBain and Gibbs' consituti6nal money, do your thing with respect
right to procedural due process -- to this land, and then while they're
notice and hearing -- has been vio~ doing it ~- actively spent the
lated because they have not had an money and obligated themselves -- say
opportunity to be heard on the issue to them, you can't do that." If
as to whether or not their land should you were in their position, you
be subjected to the initiative< It would feel put upon, and I am sure
is automatically subjected to. ~he they do. We believe that since
initiative, and there is apparently McBain & Gibbs, in reliance upon
only one out, and that is the finding the permission that you gave them,
of hardship, which you are about have expended substantial sums of
to define in a very limited way. money, which I will detail; they have
Enforcement of the ordinance, as a vested constitutional right to
pointed out by Mr. McKeehan, in terms proceed with their development, to
of a moratorium, will take property. complete their subdivision and to
without due process of law. That is build their houses. We also believe
to say that our client will bepro- that the ordinance is unconstitu- ~ ·
hibited for a year or more from using tionally vague, wherein it defines
its land, in any economic way. W~ "hardship." You apparently are
submit that that is a violation of having trouble deciding what hardship
constitutional right; that it is a means as, used in ~e ordinance.
violation of elemental decency and The vagueness that is apparent to
fairness; and that it is simply wrong you is a constitutional informity
to say to someone for a year or more ,in the ordinance. I don't believe
-- some indifinit.e period of time -- that you can defin~ it'. The people
"Your land is not useable for any i who were up here p~iously seem
economic purpose." Egans vs. the City' to have different views as to what
of Tiburon is before the U. S. Supreme it meant -- one man thought it meant
Court. We.expect thgt it will be economic hardship, thinking there
decided within the next month or so~ was no~other kind; another man ~.
That case involved down-zoning of land thought it was personal hardship,
in the City of Tiburon in which there thinking there was no other kind.
was some economic value left~ The I submit' that the word "hardship"
result of that was the property owner is not sufficiently defined. Hard-
claimed that he had been denied con~ ship is in the eye of the beholder.
When rules of l~w are in the eye of
- 1~ -
AGENDA ACTION
~(Ma~vin BUrns - Cont'd.)
the beholder, we become a government struction sub-contract outstanding
of men and not a government of laws,' of $475,000. They have a contract
and that is constitutionally forbidden with the San Jose Water District,
We believe that the ordinance to the which they have paid for, and they
extent that it prevents the building have a contract with County Sani-
of houses, interferes with thecon~ tation District No. 4. If the
stitutional right to travel, and that donstruction contract is not
it is an apparent applicationof the implemented by the end of May,
failure of the City of Saratoga to the prices that are quoted will
supply its fair share of housing to, expire. Recent experience in the
the regional district to which it building of subdivision improve-
belongs. That requirement that ments indicates price increases
Saratoga supply its fair share of of approximately 1%% per month.
housing (fair share of affordable We know they can't really work
housing) is a requirement that was after October 1st, so that be-
imposed by the Supreme Court of Cal- tween now and October 1st, those
ifornia in a recent case. It behooves construction improvements have to
you to heed the views of your City be installed. If they aren't they
Attorney in that regard. Your actions will lose a year. If they are not
are driving the price of housing in granted a hardship exemption, or
your region and in your city up beyond you decide that the ordinance does
the reasonable expectation of any , not constitutionally apply to
person today. We believe that thel them -- which is another possi-
ordinance violates a variety of con- bility -- then they will suffer
stitutional rights. ~en you violate from this loss. If they.!are per-
a constitutionallright, you violate mitted ultimately by a court or
a federal statute.(Mr. Tichi~in a~d by another dity council or by
Mr. McKeehan engaged in an exchange, whatever, to improve the property,
which the M~yor quieted, concerning the cost will have increased by
the possibility that the town might the number I indicated. If it is
be liable, regardless of its good a one-year increase. If it is a
faith.) That's the law-- you might!. one-year increase of 18%, the price
be liable individually even though · would increase at $85,500. We
you believe that you're dealing in have a market for housing that is
good faith, if a jury of your peers now entering a favorably phase
decides that you'weren't, and that because interest rates are de-
hardly anyone can predict. Our feelin clining. A year from now we don't
is that"in light of the advice that know what the situation will be --
you have been given, a serious questi~ they could be higher or they could
arises as to whether or not you are. be lower. But for the moment, the
dealing in good faith when you deny market is favorable. Absent the
these developers the opportunity to' ability to proceed promptly, they
complete their developments. I don!t will lose the favorable market.
mean to insult you and I don't mean If theylre unable to build and
to threaten you -- but I do feel that unable to go forward, they will be
.it is fair that I tell you. It is not foreclosed upon, and they will
a decision that I will make; it is not suffer an extreme economic hard-
a decision that you will make; it is ship. Each of the individuals are
not a decision Mr. Tichinin will make; guarantors of a loan; the United
but it is a decision that a jury will California Bank has a choice of
make, in the event these people are methods for foreclosure, and one
continuously deprived of their con- of the methods could result in -
stitutional rights. McBain & Gibbs personal liabilit~ -- at least one
will suffer extreme hardship -- of the methods. They have expended
economic hardship -- and eventually all but $200,000 of the following
personal hardship -- if this moratoriu~ amount after approval of the ten-
is kept in effect as it'applies to tative subdivision map is the key-
them. They have a 'construction loan stone approval because under the
that is due.in November 1980 in the Youngblood case, you have very
sum of $900,000. %he interest on little to do with the final map as
that loan is $15,500 per month at long as the conditions of the
current rates. They have a con- tentative map are met. They
17 -
~:~ ~ ~, AGENDA ACTION
~ (Mar~in BUrns - Cont'd.)
expended the following sums, with the 4. Consideration of Size and
exception df $200,000: Composition of Citizens
Cbramittee for Implementation
Land Acquisition - $526,855.93 ~' of Measure A
Interest to sellers as of approx
April 15 - $37,755.31 It was the concensus of the
Topographical Survey - $1,588.29 Counc~t to continue to accept
Fees to the City of Saratoga (sums applications, and to appoint
they paid this city for permission a committee from the applications
to proceed) - $91,960.00 received.
E.I.R. - $2,460.00
Soils $1,128.48
Cash Bond - $2,000
Improvement-Bonds $14,440.00'
Terre Search Soils Engineers -
$10,865.5~
Real Estate Taxes' $1,969.15
San Jose Water Co. Bond - $6,400.00
Contract paid for installation of
water facilities $215,330
Landscape Architect - $3,368.50
Sanitation District Fees - $8,080.00
Subdivision Tax Bond - $3,815.72
Noack and Associates, Civil
Engineers - $30,000
PrOperty 'Owners?Assoc. - $2,800.00
Miscellaneous Direct Expenses
$850.17
Interest to United California Bank
thru 3/31/80 $40,027.36
Interest to United California Bank
thru 4/30/80 $15,1500.00
TOTAL (approximately) - $1,017,000.00
That, I submit, is hardship. We ur=
gently request that you approval an
exemption from the application of this
ordinance tO McBain & Gibbs, either on
the ground of hardship or upon the
ground that the ordinance does not.
constitutionally apply to our clients.
Councilwoman Jensen commented that she
has taken as complete notes as she can,
and has questions with respect to 'every
detail cited by Mr. Burns.
Mayor Callon indicated that the CouHcil
might want to look at the legal briefs
that were filed in the initial suit
against Measure A, and the judge's
opinion that was issued at that time.
There being no further public ~rti-I
cipation, the hearing was continued to
June 4, 1980.
18 -
~ ~ ,~ AGENDA ACTION
IV. PETITIONS, ORDINANCES, P~SOLUTIONS "'
(Cont'd.)
B. RESOLUTIONS RE: LANbSCAPING The City Manager explained this is
AND LIGHTING DISTRICT, LLA-1 a mechanism to continue the'effective-
~ ness of the three park maintenance
'1. ReSolution 950-A, districts, and the lighting districts
Resolution Appointing which currently are in operation in
Attorneys the City of Sartoga, and have run
into problems due to passage of
2. Resolution 950-B, Proposition 13, in that the levies
Resolution of Preliminary from taxes on property have not been
Approval of Engineer's sufficient to fund those districts.
Report The dollars will be spread on the
basis of benefit, rather than
3. Resolution 950jC,. ad valorem tax. This is a way.of
Resolution of Intention me~t~ng theintentions of Propo-
to Order the Formation of' ;.-sitio~ 13, But yet-, having enough
An Assessment District and funds generated in those areas of
Levy and Collection of park~aintenance or lighting to
Assessment PurSuant to ~ have'those o,perations 'continue.
Landscaping and Lighting. .." ~ ~'
Act of 1972. Mrl Sho6M,'Direct0r of Public works,
outlinEd.his staff report, dated
5/1/80, providing further explana~
tion conderning this proposal.
M/S: Clev~g~/M~llory toadopt
Resolutions 950-A, 950-B,. and 950-C.
Carried unanimously.
Recess and reconvene
V. PUBLIC HEARINGS PUBLIC'HEARINGS
A. CONSIDERATION OF AMENDMENT'TO' Meg ~bnroe of Ironside and AssociateS.
THE HOUSING ELEMENT OF THE ~ summarized the report which was
1974 GENERAL PLAN (Co~t'd. made to the Council the previous
4/16/80 week, relative to the Draft Housing
Element.
Mayor Callon then opened the public
hearingat 10:45 P.M.
Marge Bunyard,' 12625 Miller Ave.,
indicated there is a petition
with signatures representing a
broad section of people in.the
community. Said petition reads as
follows:
"Under existing housing market con-
ditions, there are relatively few
opportunities for housing in
Saratoga for those of moderate
... financial means, or for senior
citizens who need to move away from
large, single-family residences.
The problem will be further aggra-
vated if, as advocated by some, the
City should adopt a policy which
; 19
,, ~,. AGENDA ACTION
V. PUBLIC HEARINGS (Cont'd.) (Mrs~ Bunyard - cont~d~
A. CONSIDERATION OF AMENDMENT TO schools is that we see a dramatic
THE HOUSING ELEMENT OF THE decline on tha WeSt side of the
1974 GENERAL PLAN (Cont'd. valley.- If we rule out less expensive
'4/16/80) homes, we can't have a place to put
people who are of fairly modest means.
(Mrs. Bunyard - Cont'd.) If the City is 'contemplating doing
away with all multiple~units On any
prohibits future ~ons~ruction of of the building sites remaining in
multiple-unit housing. Such a Saratoga, it will create this type
policy would have undesirable re- of socio-economic type of group in
suits. With relativery few excepti~ . this community. She would think
future residents would be forced to there must be some sites that might
live in single-family residences or be buildable for multiples close to
not live in the city at all. shopping centers and public transpor-
Important social groups need to giv~ tation~
the City balance, and they would be
drastically under-represented Mayor Callon made reference to '4
because the people concerned cannot items of written communications
afford single-family residences. relevant to this hearing .
Some of the groups that would be Fran MillS; petit'ion from 2~
seriously under-represented are residents; League'of ~omen Vote~s~',
senior c~tizens~ particularly those and Rudolph. Kanne. : '
on .fixed income, which have been
eroded by inflation; yodng marrieds Paul Freeman, Verde Vista Lane,
especially .those with children of presented petitions signed by 835
elementary school age;widows, and residents of Saratoga, in opposition
single-parent families, especially to the Housing Element as proposed.
those. headed by working.mothers. Mr~ Freeman stated he would like to
We do not advocate any substantial remind the 3 new councilmembers
change in the character of Saratoga of the promises which were made ·
We believe that future multiple- during their erection ,campaign. He
unit housing in the city'should be would also ask that the other
permitted only in carefully members of the Council reflect on
measured quantities, on carefully l what he believes to Be the tide of
selected sites, and only with care- sentiment and wish on the part of
ful monitoring by the city, to t~e citizens of Saratoga. Many
minimize adverse impacts. This can residents worked very hard in order
be done pnder the City's present to move to Saratoga, and he would
planning and approval processes. be very disappointed to see the
As you know, these processes are largest single investment that many
protective, prolonged, and provide of us will ever make in their lives
generous opportunities for public in 'their home and in the community,
input before projects are approved. yanked from under us. He would
In short, we urge you to adopt the plead with. the members of the Council
policy of moderation in 'this matter "~o either stay in step with the
citizens of Saratoga or join them.
~r~ Bunyard c ~nented wh'en the~'
chO~e 'this conmunity., t~ey. wanted a Councilman Mallory asked Mr. Freeman
cornrm~n±ty. that had fdentit~f~_i'rT~e5 if there was anything in the
-Ic~'a~e'~.~6~u~i~Y~in"w~id~i~a~9~' Housing Element which he felt was
c=f~r ~e~c~' [~"y~ ~ fe~' ~ acceptable.
Because there is no further housing,
we are a "temporary"' group~ The' Mr. Freeman responded that he feels
problem with. the commUn±ty. ~s not. t~at the Housing Element as it was
just older people'wh'o want to stay: outlined in the 1974 General Plan
but the extreme ~omOgene~ty that we was acceptable.
are 'planning into ou~ communit~ that
,s going to make us al communitF past Mr. Mallory asked Mr. Freeman if
the 30's~ What happens~'to the' he saw anything.in the'proposed
Housing Element which was desirable.
- 20 -
~'7~ ~ ~-~
· - AGENDA ACTION
V. PUBLIC HEARINGS (Cont'd.). (Mr. Hughes cont'd.
A. CONSIDERATION OF AMENDMENT TO He inquired if any members of the
THE' HOUSING ELEMENT OF THE Council had been raised in low-
1974 GENERAL PLAN (Cont'd. cost housing.
4/16/80)
Councilman Watson replied that he
Mr. FreemAn commented that he.believes was raised in low-cost housing.
there is a desirabilityto see thatz
our senior citizens are taken care of Mr..Hughes stated that to this
and that people who have moved t~ . point, hehasn't heard. any of the
Saratogacan stay here. He jus~like. key issues regarding what comes
the selection of the. sites and ~he wa' with low cost housing, and these
in which they were selected. are problems that reflect on the
families. He stated he was raised
Mr. Mallory asked Mr. Freeman if he in a low income area, and he knows
believes we need a Housing Element. the problems tha't come with these
areas. To bring this element into
Mr. Freeman replied he believes the Saratoga he believes is a severe
housing portion should be part of the violation of his rights.,
General Plan and not a separate
element. His opinion is that the Cit5 Lilly Badagliacca, 20813 Sarahills
develop the Housing Element of 1974. Drive, commented.thatin.past
meetings~ 31major p~ints have been
Mr. Mallory inquired if Mr. F~eeman. made for the acceptance of this
feels we should have any federally housing element: l) There is no
funded programs in Saratoga. available housing stock for young
families within the boundaries of
Mr. Freeman replied that he is opposed Saratoga, or,'relative~y little for
to.federal fundin~ of anything. ~ families considering the'.purchase
of a new home; 2) this Housing
Larry Hughes, 20768 Sevilla Lane, Element should be accepted because
indicated he would like to read from a few well intenti0ned Saratoga
California ballot pamphlet for the residents involved themselves in
June 3rd Primary Election, which is. group meetings which produced this
taken from the low rent housing propo- report and th~ City ~pent $6,000
sition, Proposition 4. of tax funds hiring an open con-
suiting firm which was responsible
'~The California Constitution prohibits for seeing that this element was
the state or a local public body from properly prepared; and 3) that we
developing, constructing, or acquiring must provide the citizens of this
a low rent housing project, unless it cormnunity with cradle-to-grave
is approved by the voters in an housing services . . . more speci-
election held in the city or the count fically, that we have an obligation
where the project is to be located. A to~provide retired Saratoga residents
low rent housing project is defined as with housing which would not only be
a government aided development com- affordable, but would also meet
posed of dwellings, apartments and other needs of seniors, such as
other living quarters for rental to accessibility to shopping, libraries,
persons or families who do not have etc.
enough income without financial
assistance to live in decent, safe, Regarding her first point, Mrs.
uncrowded and sanitary homes." Badagliacca commented that at no
point in time does she expect the
Mr. Hughes commented that it would citizens of any community to guarantee
appear his constitutional rights hav~ her children the right to live any-
been violated, with the 2 existing where. Regarding citizen involvement,
projects that have been completed in it has been often mentioned that
Saratoga, and he is opposed to a this Housing Element and the meetings
violation-of his constitutional rights were very well publicized. However,
to have a. voice in what is being done in her communications with other
in this community. residents, it appeared that they were
ignorant of this;and, therefore,
21 -
. ~ ~GENDA : -ACTION
V. PUBLIC HEARINGS - C0nt'd.) i (Mrs. Badagliacca - cont'd.)
A. CONSIDERATION OF AMENDMENt- ~0 'there is an ove~-abundan~e of
THE HOUSING ELEMENT OF THE senior housing in the Santa Clara
1974 GENEP~L PEAN (Cont"d 4~. Valley.-So HUD is giving ~pecial
4/16/80) considerationto developers who
. come forward with plans for families
(Mrs. Badagliacca .- cont'd.}' who are on income assistance. If
a plan is accepted by HUD, what
it seems whatever was d6n~, t~e.job do.they Bet? .The representative
-was not adequate. At no time,-Were explained,"If the plan is accepted,
citizens.told this ~ssue was-u~der the government acts as an' insurance
'law and to be put.up tO,.a. Vote u~de~ company and .insures the private'
the Calif0rqia State Constitution. ~ 'developer and his privately squght
She indi'c~ted She had received a ~ ~dhn throuah'~a.fund called "Jennie
notice Of a neighbor who Wanted t~-- ~,~M~t~ndum' ~nd~'i The benefit to
~0ye'-~ Earage wall 7 feet,'-b~t'nethi~ the' builder is a reduced.rate of
about a .low income-high denserye.. ': .interest, because. the lender is not.
housing development around the' ~rner /.~taking.a~chance./'.~,MrS. Badagliacca
fro~ h~r home, 6r even be'.'cons~de~ed'. ha~d"'asked,,'-"Wh~'t~does the-builder' ·
She subSeated t~is issue 5e drop~e~!' '~bfo~"the~g6ve~m~n.t in return
so the. developers don't.haVe to stand fo~ this ~nsideration?" She
before the Council again in the. ~ut~:~, replfa~,/"He must set' aside 20%
and make ~he .same suggestions or of the units to'be used by HUD
threats .... '>a~Drov~d applicants." Mrs.
Regarding th~ point' of providing. any money for'these 20. units?"
cradle-to-grave services,'the housing She replied', "No, the government
the seems to be Under dischs'sion is subsidizes the rental payments under
federally subsidized housing.. She complicated fair rental housing
took it uponlherself to try Eo tables."
educate herself on this sub~ecE. She
called the Department of HousinE and Mrs. Badagliacca 'staged she is
-Urban Development ihSan Francisco, here to ask the COuncil to drop-
and asked the question, "Wh~t does this housing element,'and retain
federally subsidized housing mean?"' the' 1976 element.. She believes
She explained that it means ~ builder what we are talkin8'about is an
might come to HUD with a.prO~bsition, issue of how we wane Sarato8a to
or that HUD might select an area ~n be developed, and she wants it
which they wish to develop low income for low-density and for single=
housing. In either case, if.it is families.
HUD that wishes the' bids-go be pro-
posed, they will .put an annouhcemenE Dora Grens, 14~5~ Old Oak Way,
in the paper and ask the b~ilders or commented that much has been made
developers to present the propgs~tid~ of the'minimal citizen participation.
to t~e Department of Housing and She personally was aware of the
Urban Development. ~e plan that i~ existance of the meeting only
presented is'.a complete.pl'~,- and th~ because she belongs to an active,
means he comes with a site that is."' organized homeowners association.
properly zoned; with plans that are She commented that when she artended
architecturally drawn; wit~ prices' the first Workshop, she resented the
and committments. The federal'-govern -fact that they were told what items
ment does nbt get-into zoning h~ssles .they were ~oin8 ~o discuss. They
" ' ' had been advised that the'list
Mrs. Badagliacca commented that bhe= given them was made up of mandatory
h~d asked, "Is there'a'ratio'or senio guidelines, and these items must
citizens to family h6using, and w~at be included in' the new housing
is this ratio?" She e~pl~ined that] element. Mr. Ironside--sat in on
as far as the representative-'s depart the group discussion.. The particular
ment was concerned, there ~s no ratio -group size Rwindl~d rather rapidly.
22 -
.. I? AGENDA 'ACTION
V. PUBLIC HEARINGS - ~ont'~.) (Mrs. Flaherty - cont'd.)
A. CONSIDERATION 'OF AMENDMENT TO.r She cgmmented that she wishes the
THE HOUSING ELEMENT OF THE' t). people who have stood before the'
1974 GENERAL PLAN (Cont'd. Council this evening would take
4/16/80) the energy they have put into
opposing this into taking a project
(Dora Grens cont'd.) and making a beautiful example of
it~ Mrs. Flaherty commented that
The 21 sites were discussed, and she worked in a low-income housing
'federal funding was discussed in detail project which was lousy; she has
She had the opinion the majority.of 'the been in others that are beautifdl.
group was against federal assistance in She suggested that members of the
Saratoga. ~faen she. read the concensuS Council go up to Palo Alto and
report, her first thought was that her see Westerwood. This is a Section
group must have viewed th4ngs differ-. 8 project, and it is a fine place
ently than the others. Upon comparing for people who work inthe
those with participants in the other community of Palo Alto to live.
-groups, however, she found that the ~ People can get a subsidy who earn
conclusions reached didn't reflect a = $15,000 a year.' She would hope
true picture of what the majority some of the citizens would form
thought they had said. It appeared a steering committee and work ~ith
to be a least worse situation, based on the.SaratogaPla~ning Department
something o~er which they had no con- to develop a beautiful place with
trolo' They now Iearn that 'if the~de- complete design control.
lines presented were advisory only,., ,:
they would have had more latitude in Mildre~ Gordon, Blauer Drive,
their discussions. Mrs. Grens indi- ~. addressed the Couhcil, stating
cated shewohld .like to re-emphasize that she is one of the people
what she said at the first workshop appointe~ to the Senior Citizens
and during subsequent session, that Housing Task Force. This group
she does not feel Saratoga has title , .met twice monthly for two years.
resources or the appropriate available The Task Force completed a city~
land for high density housing, nor do. wide assessment'of Saratoga's
we have an obligationto accept "string senior needs related 'to housing;
attached" federal funding to provide studied. data related to housing
it. "We will take care of. our mothers for the elderly; Updated previous
and be sure they'are happy and comfort- studies. Housing is not a new
able. We would hope other children issue in Saratoga -- there have
would consider it an honor to do so for been numerous times when it was
their own parents." brought to the City Council and
nothing happened. She indicated
Georgianne Flaherty, 21285 Saratoga . she hopes all of the CounCil is
Hills Road, commented that she believes familiar with the analysis which
very deeply that a con~n. unity 'should the Task Force has developed, and
provide a'variety of different housing this should be reviewed. Mrs.
for people, and she feels Saratoga has Gordon further commented that she
.an.opportunity to do this. When we believes approval of Measure A is
discussed 21 sites, she gathers we not related to low density. The
only have money for one site, and we - proper management of hillsides is
are talking about 45 units that could one thing, but the proposal of
provide housing for young families and housing on level ground is another.
for seniors. There are all kinds. of ~ She sees no mandate for only single-
subsidies, and the middle-clasS family homes in Saratoga.
benefits from them all the time, but we
don't call them subsidies. What else. Andrew Beverett, 19597 Via Monte
is a Homeowners Exemption than a sub-z Drive, indicated he is appearing
sidy. Most young people today cannot as a concerned citizen. Mr.
buy a house. Beverett indicated he is going
to offer some rebuttal arguments
on this issue.
- 23
ACTION
i~l -~ ~ AGENDA
V. PUBLIC HEARINGS - (Cont'd.) (Andrew Beverett - Cont'd.)
A. CONSIDERATION OF AMENDMENT TO He again received no uniformity of'
THE HOUSING ELEMENT OF THE response. Some identif4ed it as
1974 GENERAL PLAN (Cont'd. high rise; some identified it as
4/16/80) . sub-standard housing; others identi-
fied this housing as being anything
(Andrew Beverett - Cont'd.) other than single-family housing.
" He believes there is polarization --
A substantial number of senior the north pole are those who think
citizens who were here at the start somebody is trying to push high-
of the ~eeting are at 12:25 A.M. not density low-cost housing down the
present. He would like the Council throats of people; the south pole
to consider his request about puttin represents those people who feel
items of this sort'earlier on the that no high density housing should
agenda. be allowed in Saratoga anytime in
the future. Mr. Beverett had
Mr..Beverett indicated that he was indicated that he believes there
raised in a.low-income area, and issome good moderate country in !~
that area generated quite a few ! between these two poles. There
people who were honest and upstandin had been some-erroneous information
He has talked with juvenile authori= making the rounds. To one signer
ties in Santa Clara County about th& of the petition, Mr. Beverett had
problems they are having with asked why she had .signed it.-' .
juveniles coming from Saratoga, and~ She had replied~hat there is a
we can't say that problems with ~hreat that we are going to have
juveniles are solely caused by housin high density, low-cost housing
and where you come from. Regarding pushed down our throats on the
' the point made about subsidy from Saratoga HOrtiCultural Foundation
the federal governmentS' this 'reminds property. She had said some
him of something he read. This is '. people had left some literature at
about a man who made a speech against her front door and__tber~e_was a
federal participation in our affairs mass meeting jb~.~pmp_peop~e~_~_h.~ ?~
He did that after returning from a ought to know. As .f~r'~s' Mr.
visit to his son in college, and in Beverett could tell, thi~ c6n-
getting to ~he college he went to a' sisted of a group of civic organi-
bank that had federal guarantees on zations including the Senior Citizens
deposits to withdraw the money; he Coordinating Council; the League
drove on a road that was subsidized of Women Voters and others who have
with federal subsidies; he went to taken an interest in housing in
a. college that received federal subi . Saratoga. Mr. Beverett had
sidies in lieu of the 'amount he paid indicated he had attended every
for his son's tuition; he came back public meeting on this subject, and
and went to work at one of the had indicated heknows of no member
"silicone valley" companies that had of the City Council, past or present,
cost plus federal contracts. Man~ or member of any commission or task
of us are receiving federal subsidigs force or other organizations, who
every day, and we can't put this off have ever mentioned or in any way
on low-income people and say this is advocated any kind of public housing
in ,their providence. on the Saratoga Horicultural
Foundation property~ Therefore,
Mr o Bevere~t indicated that he has ! it appeared this.was misinformation.
talked with 60 to 70 people, and he Mr. Beverett 'indicated that he
drew some conclusions from this. He believes after talking with these
found some'strong views on this sub- people that many of these differences
ject. He asked the signers of a are differences in schematics a~d
petition what their impression of low not differences in substance. He
cost housing was, and received no found there was a great deal of
uniformity of response..He also aske, uniformity in. thinking on'certain
what high density represented to them basic points. For example, we all
24 -
,I ~ ~.I AGENDA ACTION
V. PUBLIC HEARINGS - Contend. (Andrew Beverett - Cont'd.)
A. CONSIDEP~TION OF A~NDMENTTO selling from $400,000 to $800,000.
THE HOUSING ELEMENT OF THE These homes share one character-
1974,GENERAL PLAN .(Cont'd.~'~ istic: They are just across the
4/16/80) road from a high density housing
project -- the Odd Fellows Home.
(Andrew Beverett - Cont'd.) That project has 3 areas which
have been represented.as being so
want to preserve the character of bad because they cause a deteriora-
Saratoga. Nobody wants high density tion of property values among
on all of the 21 sites. Somebody neighboring single-family home-
seems to think there is a grave owners for the following reasons:
threat hanging over these 21 sites.: 1) high density (150 units); 2) low
He found among these people very income; and'3) federal subsidized.
little objection to some already ! Here are people spending $400~,.000,
targeted sites. There is a site on. to $800~000 f6r a chance to build
Saratoga Avenue called the Campbell a home across the street.
Cage property. The City has approv~d
a 72-unit project there in Which Mr. Beverett stated that some
exclusive use by seniors is guarantee have thought fron the onset that
for 20 years. Some of the units will the draft element contains a lot
be rented; some will be sold; there~i of bureaucratic.langUage anda
no subsidy involved; they will all be lot of ambiguities.t H~ is sure
at market price. Furthermore, thisl the senior Citizehs are much more
is located on a thorOf~re with interested in the City Council's
bus t~ansportation; surrounded on basic policy toward housing than
one side by a church;~-on ~nother side they are i~7'~n existing ~Unoffi~ia~
by a park; on another side by a draft ofthe housing element.! If.
gasoline st.ation; and on another side the City isn't going to approve it,
by a school. Therefore, it has very what is it going to dol? One alter-
little adverse impact on anybody's native is to refuse=to adopt any
private single-family housing. There revision of the housing element.
is another project beside it called He asked what the consequehdes of
the Teresi project in which 60% of this would be. One ~ight'be'
~the occupancy is guaranteed for possible retribution at a higher
seniors for a period of 20 years.' It governmental level; another might
is on land that has been targeted be a bad reputation among sister
for this use for a long time. cities who-are making a gesture of
There is a proposed project in back. compliance. Another alternative
of the Hubbard-Johnson Lumber Yard, might be to revise the present
which is surrounded on one side by ~ draft. The job may not be as
railroad tracks; on another side by difficult as some might think,
a lumber yard; on another side by a because you can rip out the first
to~home; and on the other side by a 15 pages and put them into a cover
creek. They will be.very nice for ~ and call them "Supplementary
widows; for a working mother with a Statistics and Background", and
child; for a retired couple; or for leave 7 pages. ~lat are some of
young marrieds. There is another the criteria for al new try? Mr.
parcel between Prospect SchOol and Beverett stated he believes there
Lawrence Expressway, and there is nq~ should be two-way dialogue between
much single-family housing near. He the City Council and the people
is not recommending this;.it just preparing the draft. .Mr. Beverett
meets some of the criteria we are presented some policy questions:
talking about, including minimum ad~ 1) Will .the City allow any more
verse impacts. ~ non-subsi'dized multi-unit housing.
If so, under what conditions?-
Mr..Beverett made reference to the
new single-family residences on the 2) Will the City allow any more
' subsidized multiple-unit housing,
far end of Chester Avenue, which are
as opposed to non-subsidized housing?
(a) Will they allow it. for seniors?
~ (b) Will they allow it for,non-
= 25 - seniors?
... ~ .~. AGENDA ACTION
V. PUBLIC HEARINGS (Cont'd.) (David Moyles Cont'd.)
A.' CONSIDERATION OF ~MENDMENTS TO money, fix Up their homes and then
THE HOUSING ELEME~ OF THE pay back those funds borrowed in
1974 GENERAL PLAN (Cont'd. very generous terms. Presently, he
4/16/80) understands there are about $150,000
" loaned throughout the city; in
(Andrew Beverett - Cont'd.) Quito, there are presently 3 homes
signed up, representing a $35,000
committment; and approximately 10
The first policy statement of the more homeowners who have expressed
present draft is an example: "Strive the same. interest. This program
to provide housing opportunity to benefits not only the homeowners
meet the needs of the entire family who participate, but city-Wide.
life cycle of Saratoga residents." The things these people are trying
There are two options in stating a ~o do to their homes represent
policy of this sort: the very ideals.that have been
1) We do not advocate any substantial discussed. It is his understanding
change in the character of Saratags that continued participation in
We believe futurerm~ltiple-unit housing this federal program requires
in the City should be permitted in that Saratoga maintain a valid
carefully measured quantities on housing element. Therefore, if the
carefully selected sites and with Council decided. to abandon the
careful monitors. housing element,..it would bea
case of throwing the baby out of
2) We believe that all future housing the bathwater. He would urge the
in Saratoga should be confined to Council exercise caution, and if
single-family units; we believe at all possible, maintain Saratoga's
Saratoga has no social or moral participation in this program.
responsibility to provide any
multi-unit housing in the future' Carol Mackel, Ronnie Way, commented
above that already her~. in reference to Mr. Beverett's state-
ment in saying that the senior
~@. Bever~tt stated arguments against citizens at no time considered any
multi-~n~t_~9~g:~ .~._~!ready have other sites, nor wanted go look at
it --:His answer~thisi~s% "That is other sites. She referred to the
sheer ~k~hiSm.''!' T~e are less than Retirement Housing Study in which
1/10 of 1% apartments; there are.less the Senior Citizen Task Force
than 5% multi-unit housing, as com- Report w~s published, and there
pared with 35% to 40% in the County. are a list of sites. Therefore,
the idea that the seniors had
Mr. Beverett pointed out that in the never been interested in any
last election, 9,094 voters voted, other sites than the 3 now con-
and 40 to 43% voted for the 3 candi- sidered is contradicted in that
dates now in office. 57 to 60% did ~ this shows their interests were
not vote for these c~ndidates, and there. The site which Mr. Beverett
it appears voters vot~d~on issues, referred to specifically, the
n~p~~es~ ~ ~ - "'~ ' horticultural site, is listed as
...... ~' ' ' ' ": follows: "~e above-listed sites
i~~; ilj~705 ~ft0_~n.65e. :i _:~ were arranged in order of antici-
coh~n~ted t~at-ina~n6~ as 8ne 6~ ~h~ pated developing. The long-range
~lternatives. the Council faces this Beyond 1985 planning can foresee
evening is to abandon the housingr~ feasibility in developing of the
element entirely, he would like to following: Saratoga Horticultural
alert the Council to one consequence~ Foundation - 5.72 acres, Verde.
which could very likely flow from such Vista Lane. The Foundation has
a decision: Saratoga presently parti- indicated future interest in moving
cipates in a'federally sponsored from site."
housing assistance rehabilitation pro-
gram whereby city residents borrow :
- 26 ~
~ ~ .; AGENDA ACTION
V. PUBLIC HEARINGS (Cont'd.) (Mrs. Mackel - cont'd.)
A. CONSIDERATION OF AJ~END~NTS TO "It should be noted, however, that
THE HOUSING ELEMENTOF THE theS~ are~suggested sites. Should
1974 GENERAL PLAN (Cont'.d. a developer or property owner
4/16/80) suggest a development which con-
,' forms to the zone uses but does not
(carol Mackel -.cont'd.) ,~rop~se to be sUbsidized, he cannot
-b~ p~nalized for having his
Mr.-Beverett also mentioned that ~q- propert~ an this ~lfst.'' Mrs. Mackel
there was some confusion as to what! stated .they were not represented
low density housing Was. There is ' in this workshop, and if the people
confusion because the typeOf low .who liv~ around these sites had
density housing does vary from site. been no~ifi~dabout this meeting
to site. We can get the impression~ and what i~ entailed, the. CounCil
they look like t.enaments if we looki would not be here discussing this
at the 20 units which exist. on cox. proposal.
We can get the impression they lookZ
like .towers when we look at the 150' William Kohler, Via Regina,
units behind the Odd Fellows.Home~ ~ commented that this question of'
changing of Saratoga has happened.
Contrary to the sta.tement"'~here was Inthe'area of Highway 9, this
no p~rticipation by the Ci.~y and the gives a Camino Real atmosphere,
consultant in any of thisV,~a con- and he does not have confidence
suitant wa~ hired, and b~sed on the~ that if more of these developments
mandate of thejCity to do this, they come in, it will look more pre-.
went' out and wrote up. a workshop · sentable.
report, and the stress was to meet .
state guidelines. This was complete( Kenneth Wilton, 2045'z. Cox Avenue,
and last night they said, even with commented that when all discussion
the way it is now, it would not be is forgotten about tonight, there
certified. are still 800 signatures onthese
petitions.
MrS. Mackel stated that it is -'
currently on the books that even Mr. CroWther, Norada Court,.dis-
market rate senior citizen housing ~ tributed a letter and handout tO
'will allow 25% higher density if goes the Council. Mr. Crowther referred
e~tirely for senior citizen housing. to the first attachment to the
Directly after this workshop, they .r letter, which is an artist's con-
published'a feedback report. Her cept as it came out of the Saratoga
site was listed' On this for.long-. General Plan, of the area near
range term planning. On the top of' Saratoga-Sunnyvale Road and Prospect,
this feedback report, it says, "An which was recently developed in
identifying site suitable'for very high density condominiums. He
low, low and moderate-income housing, ~sked that the Council compare this
particularly by family types./'Some Z to what was. in the General Plan,
workshop groups expressed the need to indicating that'the General Plan
indicate more specifically~ the use. showed an entrance park and tree-
The Teresi site is listed, the iined street. The General Plan
Saratoga Foothills Development sit~, also specified that'thereshould
etc. Directly under this statement, be acquisition ofthe grove. of
it'says, "Because the~e sites are trees at the southeast corner of
indicated as being most suitable, Saratoga-Sunnyvale and Prospect.
local effort should be focused. on ~ His understanding'is that now a
encouraging appropriately suited building is going to be'put up
very low, low and moderate income where those trees are located..
elderly, family, and large family ,!
housing. They should beplaced in.L The next attachment is the present
p~iority for local landbanking and General Plan development and con-'
other related housingsaction programs <seryation~policies, and thi~ refers
' ~- baC~to~tbe pr~9r General Plan, and
it says density shOul'd even be lower.
27 -
,~ ~. ~. AGENDA . ACTION
V. PUBLIC HEARINGS (Cont'd.) (Don Ferina - Cont'd.)
A. CONSIDERATION OF ~END~ENTS.TO There are ~qo types of government
THE HOUSING ELEF[ENT OF THE subsidy -- the federal subsidy
19Y4 GENERAL PLAN (Cont'd. and the local subsidy. Many of
4/16/80) us are afraid of the strings that
are often attached to federal
(Mr. Crowther - cont'd.) subsidies. With regard to local
s~bsidies, he has seen this work
The major point is he believes all~ very well in Sweden, and this
of us have empathy for senior would be interesting for the Council
but the basi~, fundamental question' to look at. If the citizens of
is, "Are we really addressing that.. Saratoga can be convinced that
issue or are we trying to pack high~ there is no self-serving land
density housing into the:remaining developer action with regard to'
open areas within the city?" this element, and instead, put it
on the ballot for a subsidized,
Mr. Crowther stated that he ~. carefully planned community, he
the state laws regarding the Housing would be interested in seeing this.
Element. Section 65302, Section C,~
it sfiates that:-"The Housing Elemen~ Fran Mills, Verde Court, commented
shall consider all aspects of current that it should be clear the people
housing technology to include pro- of Saratoga want very little
visions for not only site-build growth, and they definitely do
housing, but also, manufactured not want federally funded housing
housing, including mobile homes."' in. Saratoga.--~
-It would seem appropriate that the'
. General Plan address this, and say,l Martin Pierson, Calle Tacuba Drive,
"~e have considered this, and it is indicated he is a senior citizen
not an appropriate form of housing: and very happy in the home he lives
in the City of Saratoga." On the in. They have looked at condo-
final page, it 'talks about the re- miniums and cannot see where the
quirements for.environmental review; cost' of a condominium is worth the
and he would sugges~ the Council change.~
look into the background of this, ' .... ' ......... - '
as there are mandatory. requirements 'jim ~7.2'0624 s~{l la ~LaHe,
for a finding of significant impact. ~a'khat the housing element
There is also the statement in before the Council is not .a senior
Section 6464 of the State Guidelines citizen housing element. The word
that it is required there be internal "elderly" is mentioned ~ice in
consistency among all the elements Of the housing element. There are
the General Plan. If the City 6 or 7 major items that speak to
adopted.the proposed housing elemen~ things such as development of
' it would be in violation of these multiple-family rental units through
laws. He would strongly-recommend landbanking; the City will revise
the Council reject the present pro- its Zoning Ordinance to extend the
posal, but indicate that the housing planned .density concept; affordable
element will be upgraded along With housing (low-income, high density
the other required elements of the housing) should be integrated
General Plan. throughout the community; assisted
housing development should be large
Don Ferina, 13622 Saraview Drive, enough toprovide economies of
indicated when he signed this t construction;* and rental opportuni-
he thought,"The land developers are ties should be maintaied and
at it again. They have convinced the increased. He str6ngly, suggestes
Council they can get some revenue the housing element is totally
sharing funds in exchange for re- contradictory to the vast majority
zoni-ng of land and open house for of people in Saratoga.
we~'Speople to come into Saratoga
28 -
V. PUBLIC HEARINGS (Cont'd.) (~ounc~lwoman Jensen ~ cont~d~)_
A. CONSIDERATION OF ~E~DMENTS TO Saratoga is part of
THE HOUSING ELEMENT OF THE community -- it is part of the
1974 GENERAL PlAN (Cont'd; County and part of the Bay Area,
4/16/80) but it is not generating any jobs,
and it is not creating any of the
George Zimmerman, Seville Lane, extreme pressure that is causing
~ndicated that it is very apparent the demand.'~'~'i~E~i~g
that the senior citizens are being the price of housing.'~Sh~"f&els
taken care of -'- the Odd Fellows Home not the least bit guilty about
the Campbell Cage site --' it is protecting the community.
apparent our present housing element Therefore, it needs to be recog-
will permit variances fro~ the nized there is a need for open
ordinance to allow senior citizen '~ space and that we are practically
residences to be built. He does nqt built out.
see any reason why we have t~ shove
a housing element like we have in Councilman Mallory stated he is not
front of us to take care of a prob- one who stands for only single-
lem that is already being addressed. family dwellings in Saratoga, and
feels there is a need for senior
Another point, if it were approved. citizen housing. He believes the
that any variances from the ordinance housing element was brought about
whence build on these sites, that not by Saratoga as much as the
the people around that site.would state and federal government, and
have to'be notified by law. he doesn't like this. Further,
the' document is o~t of character
Mr. Zimmerman stated he believes mo'st with the nature of the city and
Deople here are tired of having ' desires of the residents.
~inority group~ and self serving,
self-interest groups dictate what the Mayor Callon stated sheis in
majority gets. ~greement with Councilman Mallory's
statements. She inquired if it
M/S~ Clevenger/Mallory to close the was the intent of the motion that
public hearing. Carried unanimously the City Council continue the
The public hearing was closed at housing element issue and change-
12:30 A.M. ! the new draft to, something~th~t
conf6rms.
Councilwoman Clevenger indicated she
i~ convinced this draft housing Councilwoman Jensen indicated she
element does not reflect the over- did not hear this in the motion..
riding feeling of most citizens in She would favor examining and up-
the community, and therefore moved dating the General Plan as it re-
~ the Council reject the proposed lates to several different issues.
housing element. This would prepare the Council to
deal with this issue.
Councilman Watson commented he agrees
the right to live in saratoga should Councilwoman Clevenger indicated
not be a God-given grant. Further, the intent of her motion was to
he is concerned that there is no take-care of the proposed housing
assurance that the seniors in element, and then the Council could
Saratoga wou.ld be able to take advan- make its plans as to how it intends
tage of the housing thatmight be to approach this subject in harmony
made available. Therefore, he would with the other elements of the
second the motion. General Plan.
Councilwoman Jensen commented that Mayor Callon proposed an amendment
it seems Saratoga does practically to the motion to add that the
nothing else but housing -- we have' City Council will consider the
done our fair share of housing over housing element when it takes up
and over. the General Plan review.
- 29 -
, ., ~,, AGENDA ACTION
V. PUBLIC HEARINGS (Cont'd.)
A, CONSIDERATION OF AMENDMENTS TO
THE HOUSING ELEMENT OF THE
1974 GENERAL PLAN (Cont'd.
'4/16/80)
Councilman Mallory ~econded the
motion. The motion failed, 4 to 1.
The Mayor then called for a vote on
the original motion. The motion
carried, 4 to 1, Mayor Callon in
opposition. Reason stated for the
vote agains't~the motion is the
belief that the City would be
shirking it's duty by not providing
for a process to obtain a housing
element. ':
.;~TS'."~'~i~i%~/~ra~'~e~iew the
'Housing-Elem~ht ~t'the time the · ~.':'t .
Council takes up the General Plan
Review. The motion was carried
unanimously.
IV. PETITIONS, ORDINANCES & RESOLUTIONS PETITIONS, ORDINANCES & RESOLUTIONS
(Cont'd.)
C. MINUTE RESOLUTION P~:SITE The City Manager explained there
ACQUISITION AND IMPROVEMENTS is a current committment for this
FOR AFFORDABLE HOUSING - CORneR, parcel for use as senior housing.
OF COX AVENUE AND SARATOGA- The Federal Government is no
SUNNYVALE ROAD longer providing funding for
senior housing, and are now only
funding family housing. Further,
the County and HUD are requesting
a s.tatus report on that project,
and he would request Council direction.
on this.
~d~d~iiw~j.~n~ed that
~ ~"~i'tyl d~scon~fnue the idea
of using this site f6r housing, due
:~taken ~l~F'n~ak'~"this°~an'~n~6itabi'e
'~i:t~. ~'Motion failed L no second.
M/S: Clevenger/Jensen to explain
the City's position to the Depart-
ment of Housing and Urban Development
that the City can no longer parti-
cipate in the program if they are
going to allow senior citizen and
family housing.
Councilman Mallory indicated he'
would support continued use of this
site, well done, with high standards,
for seniors.
-'30 -
·
FOR AFFORDABLE HOUSING - COP~ER up quickly, and it was picked
OF COX AVENUE AND SARATOGA- ~ because the land next to it
SUNNYVALE ROAD zoned "Nei-ghborh0od Commerdial".
It is a very bad location for
multi-family housing, and it is
near the shopping center.and,bus
stops; therefore, it would be
good for senior housing.
The Mayor Called for a vote on
the motion. The motion was carried
3 to-2, Councilmembers Mallory and
Callon in opposition.
VI. BIDS A~ CONTRACTS BIDS AND CONTP~CTS - ~,~
A. AWARD .OF CONTRACT FOR The City Manager referenced the
ARCHITECTURAL BARRIERS staff memorandum, dated 5/13/80,
REMOVAL - PHASE I recommending, award'of the bid.~to
~MBO Concrete~Inc.~ ..
M/S: Watson/Clevenge~ to approve
award of this bid fo~,the'
Architectural.Barriers Removal
Broject, Phase. I, to ~BO Concrete,
Inc., for the low bid of $15,830.
The motfon was c~rried upanimously.
VII'. CONSENT 'CALENDAR ~° - 'CONSENT CALENDAR
A. FINAL ACCEPTANCE
SDR~.1393, Sylvia Jean,
Asp~si Drive '
B. CONSTRUCTION ACCEPTANCE
1.SDR-1276 - Vessing Road
Donald McKenzie
2. .Tract 6199.- R~ga~-Lane,
Hagen Construction
C CITY TREASURER'S REPORT
D. PAYMENT OF CLAIMS.
VIII ADMINISTRATIVE MATTERS ADMINISTRATIVE MATTERS
A. I~JYOR -
"Rec6nufiehded Appointment to the M/S: Mallory/Watson to nominate
Council on Aging. Peggy Corr and_~ight Bissell.for.
~S~a~Sg~'' S'~res &h~a't~on. Ca~ied
· , ~an im~fi~ ~'~ ..... ~ ..... "~
- B1 -
~:,~ ·
· '4 t, AGENDA ACTION
VIII .' ADMINISTRATIVE IIATTERS A~{INISTP&TIVE MATTERS
B. COUNCIL AND COMLMISSION REPORTS
1. Callon - West Valley Mayors Appointed Martha Clevenger as
Meeting determined the Saratoga's'-representative.
cities should consider a
committee made up of a
council person from each
city and the county and any
jurisdiction with. land in ~" "
.the ROute 85 Corridor.'
2. Callon - Landscaping along' PlanningCDirector~ak'written
the Dividend Industry land' lette~-to home6~,mers indicating
along Saratoga-Sunnyvale -their responsibility, and also,
is totally overgrown. contacfed the architect for the
project..' The City Council re~
quested-to be kept apprised of
this situation:"
3. Jensen - Report Re: Meetin Noted. District A Board is
of Sanitation District No. arranging to'meet with Cupertino
4 Board and issue'of Distric.t to discuss th6"~matter
capacity of the sewage , ~ ~pp~'6a&~i~g~S~n~' Cl~r~"~Li~.
treatment plant.and propo~ i~>~S~n'Jose tS'a~k ~h_e~n to.~o~":'
rate increase. ~o6kih~ ~p 'to this plant.
C. DEPARr,~ENT HEADS AN~ OFFICERS
1. Director of Community
Services
a) Response to Request from M/S: Mallory/Callo~':to deny this
Lawrence Roe to PUrchase request. Carried unanimously.
a Portion of Undeveloped
Kevin Moran Park (Ref, staff memorandum, dated
5/9/80'.) '
2. Planning Director
a) RespOnse to letter from Continued to the next regular
Russell Crowther, 20788 meeting.
Norada Court, concernim
the Saratoga General
Plan
3. Director of Public Works
a) Report Re: Condition of Mr. Shook, Director of Public Works,
Canyon View Drive reported that San Jose Water Works
has made repairs to the trench,
and they will resurface the roadgay
with oil and screens for its entire
length. (Ref. staff memorandum,
dated 5/6/80'.)
32
-~-,. ~ ~ .~ I
'AGENDA ACTION
VIII. ADMINISTRATIVE'}~TTERS (~ont'd.)
D. CITY ~NAGER
1. Report on PrOposed Code'of ~e City Manage~ indicated he would
Ethics need further d±~ection regarding
drafting of a re~[olution or
ordinance d~ling with Conflict Of
Interes.t.-
M/S: Mallory/Watson to table th~s
issue for a per±od of 2 monks.
Carried 3 to 2, Councilmembers
JenSen and Clevepger Opposed.
2. SB-1960 'Re:'Mobile Homes ~e city Manager explained thLs'is
proposed stat& housing legislation
which would require that mobile'
homes be allowed in .R-1 districts~
M/S: Mallory/Je~sen to direct
the City Manager Eo communicate
the City's strong opposition to
~±s proposed legislation. Carried
unanimously.
IX. ADJOU~MENTTO EXECUTIVE SESSION ADJOUR~NT TO EXECUTIVE SESSION
M/S: CallonlClevenger to adjourn
th~is meeting to an Executive
Ses'sion. Carried unanimously.
Themeeting was adjourned at 1:40 A.M.
X. EXECUTIVE 'SESSION EXECUTIVE SESSION
XI. ~ONVENE RECONVEME
It was ~oved by Councilman'Watson,
seconded by Councilman Mallory ~at-
~e agreement ~ith Bruce Tichinin
for special legal services be
terminated, and that no additional
funds. Be allocated for that position.
~e motion ,carr±ed, 3-to.,2, --
Councilmembers gensen~and.Clevenger
in oppos~tion.
XII. ADJOURNMEI~ ADJOURNMENT:j
M/S: Callon/Mallbry to adjourn the
meeting. Carried ~nanimously. The
meeting was adjourned at 2:15 A.M
~Re~ ectfullXJubmitted,
R
C
/
- 33