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HomeMy WebLinkAbout08-22-1988 City Council Minutes MINUTE8 SARATOGA CITY COUNCIL TIMa: Monday, August 22, 1988 PLACE: Civic Theater, 13777 Fruitvale Ave. TYPe: Adjourned Regular Meeting The meeting was called to order at 8:09 p.m. Councilmembers Moyles, Paterson, Stutzman and Mayor Anderson were present. The City Clerk reported that, in accordance with Government Code 54954.2, the agenda for the meeting had been properly posted on August 19. 1. Village Parking District #3 Condemnation Hearing The public hearing was opened at 8:10 p.m. Richard Smith gave the Engineer's Report, reviewing procedures and describing the project and method of assessment. Councilmember Clevenger arrived at 8:12 p.m. Anthony Lagorio spoke representing the owner of Parcel 14. He formally protested the proposed resolution as it pertained to that parcel. He stated that the assessment amounted to a forced sale at a reduced price and that his client would have fewer parking spaces than before, with no enhanced value. Clarence Neale, 14165 Saratoga-Sunnyvale Road, spoke as 'the owner of one of the properties in the area. He favored the formation of the district and felt that the Village merchants would be hurt if the district were not formed. No one further appearing to speak, the public hearing was closed at 8:20 p.m. Councilmember Paterson stated that the formation of the district had been a dream of his for some time. He believed it would have a beneficial and synergis[ic effect on the Village. Councilmember Stutzman asked for clarification of Mr. Lagorio's statements, and Mr. Smith explained that the number of parking spaces in the area of Parcel 14 would be less with the new district, but access to more parking spaces would be available to Parcel 14 than was available now. Councilmember Clevenger agreed that the Council was concerned about the Village. She felt the Council should do what it could to make the Village more viable and more attractive. 2. Closed Session to.Discuss Acquisition Negotiations The Council adjourned to a closed session at 8:25 p.m. and reconvened at 8: 43 p.m. PETERSON/CLEVENGER MOVED TO ADOPT RESOLUTION 2473~8. Passed 5-0. Councilmember Clevenger excused herself from the meeting at 8:44 p.m. 3. Discussion of Median Design for 8aratoga-Sunnyvale Road between Verde Vista Lane and Saratoga Avenue Randy Anderson, landscaping consultant for the project, described the condition of existing trees in the area and the proposed landscaping. In response to Councilmember Moyles, he explained that his recommendation to remove one tree on the side as well as two from the median was made to provide enough room for a left-turn lane. Councilmember Peterson inquired as to whether it might be possible to mitigate possible traffic dangers without removing oak trees. City Manager stated his recollection that Barry Coates, the City Horticulturist, had reported that most of the median trees could survive if well maintained, but had recommended removal of the tree in front of the Neale property because it was not healthy. Bruce Barnes, the engineering consultant for the project, stated that his concern was first for safety, then for the flow of traffic. Location of the median openings, he said, should be determined by traffic criteria. He believed the northbound left turn lane at Herriman should be closed because it served only one driveway; closing it would improve traffic flow and create more opportunity for landscaping. With respect to the Williams and Walnut Avenue median openings, he felt one should be closed, preferably the Williams opening. He believed the southbound demand into Williams Avenue was small and could be diverted to Walnut. Northbound U-turns would be diverted from Williams to Reid Lane, he said, which is a signalized intersection. It was further recommended, under this alternative, that the median south of Walnut be configured to allow left turns into and out of Walnut Avenue southbound. If the Walnut opening were closed, there would still be undesirably short left turn pockets at Williams and Reid. If the median openings were left as they are currently, the problems of short left turn pockets and traffic st~cking up would not be solved. He recommended a new pocket at Marion Avenue, which could be constructed without removing the two existing trees. In answer to Councilmember Moyles, Mr. Barnes explained that the left turn off Marion northbound was not recommended for change because the traffic was able to merge onto Saratoga-Sunnyvale Road with no undue difficulty. He further explained that the analysis of traffic was done by a survey taken on July 6. Mayor Anderson pointed out that a nursery school at the corner of Williams and Saratoga-Sunnyvale may not have been open at that time, while it would be open and thus affect traffic most of the year. Mr. Neale stated that the school is open periodically. He believed that the residents of Williams Avenue are more important than those involved in school traffic. Mayor Anderson brought up the question of U-turns at Herriman. Mr. Barnes noted that the turn served only one driveway, and the U- turns could be made at Reid. In response to the City Manager, Mr. Barnes stated that if there were no northbound left turn lane at Herriman, a person could make a U-turn at Verde Vista Lane to enter his driveway. The City Manager then questioned the value of having a signalized intersection where one could no~ turn. Roy Fetterly, 14111 Saratoga-Sunnyvale Road, felt that closing off the U-turn at Walnut would create a hazard because of the blind spot caused by the hill. Mayor Anderson suggested closing off Walnut and leaving Williams open. Mr. Fetterly replied that cars would then have to go to the Village to turn. · Mr. Neale agreed that the intersection was dangerous, stating that it was difficult for him to get out of his driveway. Further, he stated that it was difficult to see bicyclists at the corner of Marion and Saratoga-Sunnyvale Road. He felt the proposed plan was good, but he opposed closing off of the cut-through on Williams Page 2 Avenue. He expressed his willingness to plant an oak tree and donate land for a walkway. Nancy McKereghan, 20590 Canyon View DriVe, reviewed previous history of the median, saying that at one time the City had wished to remove all the oak trees. She agreed that the left turn onto Walnut is dangerous because of its location at the crest of the hill. Making a left turn onto Reid from the Village is not a problem, she felt. She favored keeping the left turn at Herriman and lengthening it at Verde Vista. She also felt the left turn access at Williams should be retained for safety reasons. Dora Grens, Old Oak Way, stated that she was one of the people who had favored a bicycle path in front of the Neale property. Although that had not been constructed, she felt many people in the area were still interested. Monte Boisen, 13896 Lynde Avenue, favored retaining the U-turn at Herriman. He also wished to retain the Williams turn and remove the Walnut turn. As to the landscaping materials, he expressed the hope that grass would not be planted because it would result in too much water being wasted and sprayed on cars. Mr. Anderson noted that the consultants had been directed to work with the previously-approved landscaping master plan. Although he was not certain, he believed that the plan called for trees and shrubs, not lawn areas. In any case, no irrigation would be allowed near the oak trees, and no runoff or overspray would be permitted. In answer to Mayor Anderson, he stated that drip irrigation would probably not be suitable for the project. Councilmember Peterson pointed out that the master plan had been approved some time ago and might need to be reviewed. The City Manager stated that although it had been approved before he came to the City, he believed it recommended shrubs and flowering trees. He felt it might need some review to ensure that the proposed landscaping could be integrated into the existing neighborhood landscaping. Further, he noted that the Council had made a policy decision that if the drought continued, we would delay planting until later. He went on to say that the Council might wish t~ consider making a consistent landscaping statement throughout the City with common themes, while still allowing individuality in different areas of Saratoga. In response to the City Manager, Mr. Barnes stated that there were instances where the City had planted oak trees as landscaping, and they could be a good choice in appropriate areas. Mr. Fetterly expressed the desire to prevent schoolchildren from throwing garbage along the road. Councilmembers responded that the parents should be contacted for such problems. Mr. Boisen then stated that he felt a Raindrip irrigation system could work on the medians. Mr. Neale felt that if the City carried out its plans, Saratoga would be well on its way to a desirable outcome. Councilmember Stutzman asked the audience how many wished to save the maximum number of trees, and how many wished to remove dangerous trees. A few more people raised their hands for the second question. Councilmember Moyles summarized his opinions: the left turn at Williams should be retained; the left turn at Herriman should be retained; the left turn pockets should be deepened up and down the' highway. He appreciated Mr. Neale's offer of property. Although he did not favor a comprehensive review of the master plan, he wanted a focused review to see if the plant materials were appropriate for drought. He wished to keep the design consistent and to delay planting while going ahead with construction. Page - 3 Councilmember Peterson also favored keeping the left turn at Herriman and Williams. He agreed with the consultants on the left turn at Marion. He favored removing the two least healthy trees for the bicycle lane. PETERSON/ANDERSON MOVED TO RETAIN THE LEFT TURN POCKETS AT REID LANE AND AT HERRIMAN AVENUE; TO WIDEN THE WEST SIDE OF SARATOGA- SUNNYVALE ROAD; TO REMOVE THE TWO UNHEALTHY TREES (ONE ON THE MEDIAN AND OWE ON THE NEALE PROPERTY). Passed 5-0. City Manager announced that anyone wishing to review the final plan including the changes made by the Council could leave his name and address with the Deputy City Clerk. 4. Status Report on Fencing at 19288 Bainter Ave. (Hwang Property) City Manager reviewed report submitted by City Engineer which stated that the fencing was to be removed this week, and the architect was to meet with staff to discuss removal of the retaining wall. He had instructed the staff that obtaining a variance for the height of the retaining wall was not possible, he said. 5. Sale of Excess Parking Spaces, P.D. #3 City Manager reviewed report, which explained various options for dealing with excess parking spaces. The issues included not only determining a fair price, but also preventing the spaces from becoming speculative instruments. He noted that there might be other possible options, such as dividing the cost of the district by the number of parking spaces to find the cost per space. The cost could be adjusted as the Traffic Impact Fee is adjusted. Councilmember Peterson suggested the issue be remanded to the Finance Advisory Committee. The committee could then make recommendations to the Council on matters of both price and policy. Councilmember Moyles suggested the possibility of a lottery as a reasonably equitable means of allocating the spaces. There was consensus to remand the matter to the Finance Advisory Committee. 6. Planning Director Recruitment Status (oral report) City Manager distributed questionnaires received from eight finalists, some of whom were from out of state. The Council discussed whether to pay transportation costs for interviews, and there was consensus to do so. He then described the interview procedures and background investigations. His plan is to narrow down the field to one finalist, then give both the Planning Commission and the City Council an opportunity to meet that person. There was consensus to approve the plan. 7. Adjour-ment The meeting was adjourned at 10:20 p.m. .Respectfully submitted, Grace E. Cory Deputy City Clerk Page - 4