HomeMy WebLinkAbout12-06-1989 City Council Minutes MINUTES
SARATOGA CITY COUNCIL
TIME: Wednesday, December 6, 1989 7:30 p.m.
PLACE: Civic Theater, 13777 Fruitvale Ave.
TYPE: Regular Meeting
1. ROLL CALL
Councilmembers Anderson, Peterson, Moyles, Stutzman and Mayor Clevenger
present at 7:30 p.m.
2. CEREMONIAL ITEMS
A. Resolution Appointing Parks and Recreation Commissioner
PETERSON/MOYLES MOVED TO ADOPT RESOLUTION 2612 APPOINTING MARIANNE SWAN
TO PARKS AND RECREATION COMMISSION. Passed 5-0.
E. Administration of oath of Office to Commissioner
Mayor Clevenger welcomed and administered the Oath of Office to
Commissioner Swan.
3. ROUTINE MATTERS
A. Approval of Minutes - 11/15, 11/28
The Minutes of November 11, 1989 were corrected as follows:-
Mayor Clevenger deleted reference to Councilmember Moyles on Page 7,
paragraph 7.
Mayor Clevenger deleted the words" . also on public facilities
issues." at the end of paragraph 5 on Page 7.
Mayor Clevenger amended paragraph 1 on Page 9, under Old Business, item A
to read: ". .the variance for the side yard setback mentioned under
item 4 is n__o longer necessary."
Mayor Clevenger amended Page 10, paragraph 6, to read: " the
estimated restoration costs seemed understated".
Mayor Clevenger amended Page 11, under Reports, paragraph c), to read: "
.regarding the use of 'Saratoga Woods'. .".
Mayor Clevenger amended Page 4, deleting paragraph 11, which begins:
"Mayor Clevenqer directed staff to return . ."
Councilmember Moyles amended the last sentence of paragraph 5 on Page 3,
to read: " . under the circumstances the City miqht have to absorb the
cost".
City Manager Harry Peacock deleted the words" .expressed concerns
that the easement would qo across her propertv. ." from the first
sentence on Page 6.
PETERSON/MOYLES MOVED TO APPROVE THE MINUTE8 OF 11/15/89 A8 AMENDED.
Passed 5-0.
MOYLES/PETERSON MOVED TO APPROVE TME MINUTES OF 11/28/89 AS SUBMITTED.
Passed 5-0.
B. Approval of Warrant List
PETERSON/ANDERSON MOVE TO APPROVE WARRANT LIST. Passed 5-0.
C. Report of City Clerk on Posting of Agenda
City Councll Minutes 2 December 6, 1989
Pursuant to Government Code 54954.2, the agenda for this meeting was
properly posted on December 1.
4. CONSENT CALENDAR
A. Planning Commission Actions, 11/22 - None; meeting cancelled.
B. Youth Commission Minutes, i0/30 - Noted and filed.
C. Heritage Preservation Commission Minutes, 11/1 - Noted and
filed.
D. Saratoga Community Access Cable TV. Foundation Board of Directors
Minutes, 10/17 - Noted and filed.
E. 'Public Safety Commission Minutes, - 11/12 -.Noted and filed.
F.' Expirations of Terms of Public Safety commission
G. Res01ution MV-188 designating intersections of Glasgow Dr. and
Glasgow Ct. with Miljevich Dr. as stop intersections
H. ResolutionMV-189 designating intersection of Parker Ranch Road
and Parker Ranch Ct. as stop intersection and a yield
intersection
I. Resolution 2575.8 appropriating funds for Big Basin Way
Crosswalks Project
J. Proposed Policy and Fee Changes:
1) Change in Community Center Rental Policy and Resolutlon
'2383.7 amending Fee Schedule for same
2) 'Change in Rental Policy for Hakone Gardens, City Parks and
Athletic Field use and Resolutlon 2383.8 amending Fee
schedule for same
K. Final Acceptance and Notice of Completion, slurry Seal and cape
Seal on Various City Streets - Graham Contractors
L.- Ordinance 71.71 adding section t0 City Code concerning purchase
of recycled paper products (second reading and adoption)
Mr. Peacock mentioned that the estimated bid amount under Item I. should
be refined.
MOYLES/STUTZMAN MOVED APPROVAL OF CONSENT CALENDAR WITH EXCEPTION OF ITEM
K. WHICH WAS PULLED BY COUNCILMEMBER ANDERSON. Passed 5-0.
K. Final Acceptance and Notice of Completion, Slurry Seal and cape
'Seal on Various City Streets - Graham Contractors
In responseto concerns from Councilmember Anderson, Mr. Peacock verified
that the City is satisfied with the outcome of the project. He reported
that a portion of the street in question was overlaid with asphalt, but
the other streets were done with slurry and cape seal so there is a
difference inthe smoothness of the surface. He explained the schedule
and procedure for the resurfacing of asphalt streets.
ANDERSON/MOYLES MOVED APPROVAL OF ITEM K. Passed 5-0.
5. COMMUNICATIONS FROM COMMISSIONS AND THE PUBLIC
A. OraI Communications from the Public and COmmiSSionS
~ 1) Dora Grens of Saratoga read a tribute to Mr. Russ Crowther,
former Planning Commissioner and spoke of his dedication to the Saratoga
community in all issues, particularly the importance and necessity of
monitoriDg of'hillside developments.
t'2)'Jeff Schwartz of Saratoga gave tribute to Mr. Crowther and
spoke of his long and dedicated service to Saratoga issues, his
c6ntributions and accomplishments as a nuclear engineer, his creative
City Council ~i~m-hes 3 December 6, 1989
ideas for solutions to issues and his serious manner and thoroughness in
his awareness of communityissues.
3) Willem Kohler of Saratoga gave tribute to Mr. Crowther. He
also quoted an article from the San Jose Mercury News regarding the
recent illegal activity in the Saratoga hillsides, agreeing with the
suggestion in the article which indicated the building permits for the
Cocciardi development should be withheld until the land in question is
returned to its original state. Mr. Kohler mentioned the developer's
long history of violations and legal suits, as reported in newspaper
articles from as far back as 1958. He suggested that the City
investigate other developments in the area developed by Mr. Cocciardi.
4) Bonnie Goldman of Saratoga spoke of her request to the City
for monitoring by the City of the cutting of trees in the Cocciardi
development. She expressed her opinion that much of what occurred was
because of lack of thorough inspection. Mayor Clevenger encouraged
communication to the City Council regarding comments from City staff
which Ms. Goldman determines is unsatisfactorily answered.
5) Charles Grens of Saratoga thanked the Mayor and Vice Mayor
for their timely responses regarding the Old Oak Way project following
non-responses from City staff. In response to a request for
clarification of confidentiality of the Cocciardi project issue, Mayor
Clevenger reported that a public hearing will be held the second Council
meeting in January, 1990.
6) Allen Chadwick of Saratoga reported that he owns 5 lots, off
Chiquita Way, which have been connected with the subdivision in question.
He stated that although his property and the Cocciardi property
construction approvals were given simultaneously, he has nothing to do
with the developer regarding co-ownership, responsibility, etc. He
stated he resents the implications that he is connected with the
developer and is upset that there is no mention made that his property is
separate from the Cocciardi Development. He believes that the
responsibility for what has happened lies with owners of each of the
respective properties. He stated he has been issued a Stop Work Order
and requested Council's approval to continue to finish his properties.
He detailed the problems with the property which could occur if he were
not allowed to do so.
Because this item did not appear on the agenda, a 4/5 vote was needed in
order to agendize the matter. There was no motion made to place the item
on the agenda. Mayor Clevenger encouraged Mr. Chadwick to work through
the City staff for agendizing the issue.
Mayor Clevenger stated that after hearing from the public, staff and
Council, it is clear everyone is agreed that this area should be repaired
and returned to its original state. The particulars of how that will be
done still need to be worked out. She discussed the permit process and
pointed out that the activity in question occurred after the earthquake
and when City staff was working full time handling approximately 500
inspections. She stated that if the City of Saratoga determines the
expectations of the inspection process are not being met, the matter will
be reviewed.
Councilmember Moyles agreed with the Mayor's comments. He added that
although Mr. Cocciardi was granted a limited permit for grading, he
evidently thought it was a license to plunder the hillsides, and now the
council must try to remedy the wrong as quickly as possible. He believes
that the Council would agree with the need to evaluate the City's
performance. He indicated that if it is determined more resources for
better code enforcement on hillsides are needed, that issue will be
considered at budget review.
Councilmember Stutzman stated he felt this is a test case for Saratoga
because much of its future development will be in the hillsides and that
this case should be made an extreme example for code enforcement.
7) Cheriel Jensen, representing Protect Our Valley, reminded
the Council that currently a man is in jail for cutting down trees in
Saratoga and that incident was minor compared to the current activity in
the hillsides.
city Council Minutes 4 December 6, 1989
She reported that Protect Our Valley will establish an annual "Russ
Crowther Citizenship Award" in his honor; a brilliant, selfless, and
stellar public citizen. She reported on discussions held by the
Corporation regarding problems stemming from the earthquake. She read,
verbatim, a letter to the Council which encourages protection from
additional, preventable damage, and which suggests that the City set up a
formal study to determine the extent of damage and its pattern and that a
formal process be established to collect reports of structural damage and
a map where it occurred. She recalled to the Council CEQA requirements
regarding new information on projects which could affect the outcome of
projects and the environment. Mayor Clevenger requested that staff
examine the suggestions and report back at a future Council meeting their
assessment of same.
Councilmember Anderson agreed that an analysis of the earthquake's
effects on Saratoga should be done and that the City may wish to consider
Setting standards for properties along the fault lines which may be
affected in the future.
Mayor Clevenger moved the agenda to the Public Hearings, since the hour
of 8:00 p.mo had passed.
8. PUBLIC HEARING8
A, Ordinance repealing Section 16-55 of the'City Code and
adopting Uniform Codes as follows=
1) 1988 edition of the Administrative Code, Building Code,
Plumbing code, Mechanical Code, Housing code, and Abatement
of Dangerous Buildings Code, with local modifications
(NOTE: Amendments to the Building Code include requirement
for Class C fire retardant roofing for residences.)
2) 1990 edition of the Electrical code, with local
modifications
Mr. Oncay reviewed the proposal with particular emphasis on the
recommendation for a fire retardant roofing ordinance requiring a
minimum of Class C roofing for all,new construction within the City and
fbr all reroof construction when reroofing consists of more than 25% of
the gross square footage of the roof. He stated that most of the
modifications in the staff report are existing modifications to the 1985
codes and there are only a few minor modifications as recommended by
building officials.
Mr. Toppel summarized the change which is being made from the Uniform
Building Code regarding minimum roof classes. The Uniform Building Code
indicates, that R-3, residential category, is Non-Rated for minimum roof
classes.'-The.Table on Page 8 of the Ordinance reflects that R-3,
residential category, shall be C rated for minimum roof classes. The
class rating shall be determined by a testing agency acceptable to the
building official. Additionally, a requirement that documentation to
substantiate the rating will be furnished upon request.
Beginning on Page 10 of the Ordinance, Section 16-15.130and remaining
sections deal specifically with making the Uniform Grading Ordinance the
same as the City's local ordinance.
I~ r~sponSe to a question from Councilmember Moyles, Mr. Oncay reported
that to assist-'home owners in purchase of only the materials approved by
the Building Department, flyers and brochures Will be distributed to the
public. At the time a roofing'or reroofing permit is issued, the type of
material to be used will be obtained and identified clearly as to whether
those types of shakes and shingles are acceptable. He reported that the
COncerns of the Board of Realtors have been satisfied by this proposed
procedure.
Councilmember Moyles suggested that the language in the Ordinance
regarding Class C definition exclude dipped and sprayed shakes. Mr.
Peacock stated that, under current technology, there is no known way that
a dipped and sprayed shake and shingle can achieve a Class C rating
certified by an independent testing laboratory.
Mr. Toppelreferred to language in the Ordinance:.on Page 8 in Sec. 3201
and suggested that the language: "and a method" be inserted in the second
City council Minutes 5 December 6, 1989
sentence so that the sentence reads: The class rating on roof material
shall be determined' by a testing agency and a method acceptable to the
building official.
Mayor Clevenger opened the Public Hearing at 8:35 p.m.
Frank Lieder of Saratoga presented a petition with 26 signatures from
residents, urging the Council to vote no on the amendment to the Saratoga
Building Code which includes Class C fire retardant rating for roofing in
the flatlands. He objected to a 30% cost increase to reroof with fire
retardant shake which he felt is not justified by the infinitesimal
chance of a roof started fire; .04% which is almost nothing. The
residents are of the opinion the fire retardant roof presents a much
higher risk to the residents in the home to be injured in an internally
started house fire. He urged a no vote and requested the freedom for
residents to decide the type of roof for their homes.
Richard Much of Saratoga spoke against adoption of the amendment. He
spoke of his concern regarding the lack of longevity, the substance of
and negative ecological effects of poisonous chemicals used in fire
retardant materials.
Karin Dowdy of Saratoga, representing Westbrook Homeowners Association,
spoke against adoption of the amendment due to concerns of entrapment of
persons, cost vs. risk ratio, and that it is not council's place to
determine what type of roof residents must apply.
Ed Lothgren of Saratoga spoke against the amendment and stated that .04%
chance of a roof started fire does not justify the additional cost.
Mr. William Greenmore, AMCO Shake and Shingle Company of Los Gatos, spoke
against adoption of the amendment. He pointed out that the cost analysis
given to the Council is from wholesalers, not from those who would be
applying the work. He spoke of safety factors and detailed the progress
inspections required of his company for projects in Saratoga which are
not required by other companies.
Ms. Richmond of Saratoga spoke against adoption of the amendment.' She
objected to the loss of freedom and the right to choose while being made
to pay for that loss.
Reginald Rikert of Saratoga spoke against the amendment. He felt that
the requirement is reasonable for hillside districts.but not economically
justified for flatland homes.
John Lundell of Saratoga spoke against adoption of the amendment relative
to expenses, limited lifetime of fire retardant roofing and suggested
consideration of such roofs only in hillside areas above a certain
altitude or above a certain slope. He urged a no vote.
In response to Mr. Lundell's question regarding the schedule for
enactment of the Ordinance, Mr. Toppel indicated that tonight is the
first reading, the next regular meeting of the Council will be the second
reading, which would include modifications, and the ordinance would
become effective 30 days after that. A permit for a replacement roof,
under the existing Ordinance, could be obtained from the City up until
the day before the new Ordinance becomes effective and would be good for
6 months.
John Mallory of Saratoga spoke against adoption of the amendment as
excessive, bureaucratic and felt that the costs are not justified. He
urged a no vote.
Brett Borah, Chairman of the Public Safety Commission, stated that the
Commission's unanimous vote in favor of the amendment has not changed.
No one further appearing to speak, the Public Hearing was closed at 9:00
p.m.
In response to a question from Councilmember Anderson, it was reported
that Los Altos Hills residents voted 74% against a'similar Ordinance.
Councilmember Anderson reviewed statistics from a recent report from the
Chief of the Central Fire District, gave her ana~ysisof public opinion
against the amendment, and stated she would vote'no on the amendment.
City Council Minutes 6 December 6, 1989
She felt residents should be able to choose the kind Of roofing material
they want.
Councilmember Peterson stated his original position was to uphold the
recommendation by the Public Safety Commission because of safety, but
that after hearing the public speak he is not convinced of the
justification for this public requirement. He stated he would vote no on
the amendment.
Councilmember Stutzman expressed his concern regarding the future of
Saratoga concerning predictions of an earthquake of 8.0 magnitude and
the-effects it could have regarding fire if there were no fire retardant
on roofs. He felt that costs, amortized over a period of time, are not
that great and that the improvement would add to the value of the home
and would be 'a good investment. 'He felt that this requirement for fire
retardant should be put in place before a problem can occur.
Mayor Clevenger stated she would vote no on the amendment because
protection by this method cannot be quantified and costs not justified.
She stated she prefers to allow the individual residents to-make that
decision on the type of roof they will have.
Councilmember Moyles stated he agrees with Dr. Stutzman's analysis and
that of the Public Safety Commission. However, because the costs for
changes to be mandated are objected to by the community and clearly will
not be accepted he suggested this portion of the Ordinance be tabled.
Mr. Toppel suggested the following changes:
On Page 6, modification to Sec. 3201 of the Uniform Building Code would
essentially require a Class A or B roof in a hazardous fire area and no
requirement elsewhere. (The hazardous fire area is designated by the Fire
Chief by a map in the Building Code. )
On Page 7,- to delete entirely, Sec 16-15.110 which modifies the chart.
Therefore the chart in the Uniform Building Code would remain as is, and
would refer to Non-Rated roofs in the R-3, residential category, except
when the homes are in a hazardous fire area.
Sections will be renumbered accordingly and modifications will be
included in the Ordinance at the second reading.
PETERSON/ANDERSON MOVED TO INTRODUCE THE ORDINANCE A8 AMENDED BY TITLE
ONLY, ADOPTING THE 1988 EDITION OF THE UNIFORM ADMINISTRATIVE CODE,
BUILDING CODE, PLUMBING, CODE, MECHANICAL CODE, HOUSING CODE, AND
ABATEMENT OF DANGEROUS BUILDINGS CODE, DELETING SECTION 16-15.110, AND'
WAIVE FURTHER READING. Passed 4-1 (Stutzman opposed).
Mayor Clevenger declared a recess at 9:20 p.m. Up'on reconvening at 9:35
p.m. the same Councilmembers and staff were present with the exception of
Councilmembers Anderson and Moyles who returned as noted below.
B. Weed Abatement Protest Hearing
Mr~ Peacock reviewed the Report Summary and recommended adoption of the
resolution ordering abatement.
Mayor' Clevenger opened the Public Hearing at 9:37 p.m. There being no
one present who wished to speak, the Public Hearing was closed at 9:37
p.m.
PETERSON/STUTZMAN MOVED TO ADOPT RESOLUTION 2613 ORDERING ABATEMENT OF A
PUBLIC NUISANCE BY REMOVAL OF HAZARDOUS WEEDS. Passed 3-0 (Anderson,
Moyles absent).
Councilmembers Anderson and Moyles returned. Mayor Clevenger returned to
Communications From Commissioners and the Public.
B. Written communications from the Public
· 1) Willem Kohler, 21842 Via Regina, objecting to hours of
construction on Mt. Eden Estates Project.
Consensus to authorize sending draft reply.
City Council Minu~es 7 December 6, 1989
2) E.T. Barco, 19101 Camino Barco, requesting information as
to validation action regarding sunset clause of Utility
Users Tax.
Consensus to direct.staff to reply that no decision has been made to
commence a validation action.
3) Anthony M. Cook, 20312 Edinburgh Dr., complaining about
quality of repaving on Edinburgh Dr.
Consensus to direct staff to send draft reply. Mr. Peacock verified that
the repair meets the City's specifications and indicated that Mr. Cook
acknowledged that the work has improved the surface of the street.
4) Letter from Marcia Fariss objecting to 90-height limit.
Consensus to direct staff to prepare response indicating that her
concerns will be communicated to the. City of San Jose along with other
concerns raised by the City.
6. OLD BUSINESS
A. Appeal of approval of lot line adjustment to transfer 3.32
acres from Flynn to Dymand, resulting in a parcel size of 8.25
acres; request for design review and variance to allow
construction of a 9,555 sq. ft. two-story residence in'the NHR
zone district at 21116 Comer Dr.; variance approval would
allow exceptions to the "floor," ,,impervious coverage" and
"height above a major ridge" standards of the NHR district.
(Appellant, Nieman; applicant, D~mand) (LL89-005; DR89-085; V89-
021) (continued from 11/15)
Mr. Emslie, Planning Director, reviewed the findings requested by Council
at its meeting of November 15. He reported that staff has found no Santa
Clara Valley Water District maintenance easement over the Nieman
property. According to Santa Clara Valley Water District officials, the
swale on the Nieman property is considered a private facility which the
District does not maintain. Maintenance responsibility lies with the
private property owner.
Staff pointed out that if Council determines there is a health and safety
need, a narrowly defined easement for safety purposes expressly for
yearly disking and erosion control related to maintenance of the drainage
swale could be required. The easement is vastly different in scope from
the vehicular access requested by the Appellants.
Staff recommended the City Council uphold the Planning Commission
approval of DR-89-065, V-89-021 and LL-89-005 giving consideration to an
added condition that a limited and unimproved safety easement be granted
to the appellant for routine weed abatement and erosion control subject
to approval of the City Attorney.
In response to request for clarification of the easement, Mr. Toppel
explained that there are two forms of access to consider: 1) over a
fixed location and 2) to require an agreement that would allow Mr.
Dymand's neighbor access for purposes of disking. Neither alternative
refers to a graded road. The basis for the easement is public safety
consideration. The building permit for the Dymand property would be
conditioned on the recorded easement agreement.
Councilmember Stutzman stated that after walking the property where an
easement could be located, he determined the area could be easily
accessed in its natural state by a type of vehicle that would not disrupt
the soil surface.
Virginia Fanelli, Applicant's Representative, questioned if there really
is an issue of health, safety and welfare and said if there is such an
issue, consideration should be given to resolving the concerns without an
easement. She reiterated that neighbors have said disking has been done
by hand and could easily be .done by the Niemans and by traversing over
their own property. She named other methods of disking and pointed out
the County's weed abatement program for safety purposes in hazardous
areas. She reiterated the neighbors are willing to work with the Niemans
to have the disking done and that the neighbors all have agreed there is
concern regarding vehicular crossing of the property which could lead to
City CouncilMinu~es 8 December 6, 1989
erosion, destruction of landscaping and improvements,'and creation of
further enticement for 4-wheel vehicles. Ms. Fanelli stated there are
other methods for maintaining the Nieman property which do not impact the
Dymands or any of the neighbors which will meet the Council's concerns
about safety. She requested that the appeal be denied and the Planning
Commission's decision be upheld.
Doug Adams, Appellant's Representative, thanked the Council for walking
the property, stating there is no question there is an issue of health,
safety and welfare. He said that although the Norlings have stated they
-will work with the Niemans regarding the disking, that has not occurred.
Hestated the Niemans were not invited to the neighborhood meetings to
discuss theissue and stated that it is necessary for the City to ensure
that the Niemans will be able to maintain their property.
willem Kohlerof Saratoga reiterated his objections to the City allowing
exceptions to the large impervious area, the extended height above the
ridge and the large area of the home as being against all the City's
rules and regulations.
J.R.'Harris of Saratoga reported he and others have disking on his
property done by hand and testified thereare alternatives available
without having to intrude on another person's property.
Elaine Sniffen.reiterated objections to the easement on the Dymand
property. She questioned the necessity as being one of health and safety
issue or if it is for other uses. She stated her opinion that the Fire
Marshal and the City would not have allowed a building permit on the
property if it was going to be unsafe and stated that if the City now
determines it as unsafe, then the City must admit its error which the
neighbors arenow being made to pay for.
Bob Yeager of Comer Drive agreed with the neighbors of the Dymand
property that there is no particular reason to allow an easement to the
Niemans. He expressed concern regarding future development near his
property.
Don Norling Of Comer Drive reiterated his opinion that the request for
easement does~not address the real reasons the Niemans are seeking an
easement.. He'reported on his efforts to assist the Niemans retain a
contractor for disking and pointed out there is no access easement
required for County to disk properties. He pointed out that the
adjoining neighbors have property to maintain but none have vehicular
access to the rear portions of their properties and that the Niemans
purchased the property knowing the limitations. He stated he believes
any access across the Dymand property would be detrimental to all
adjoining properties.
Daryl Sniffen-of Comer Drive reiterated that weed abatement is not an
issue because the County has an abatement program. He also questioned
the Niemans'. reason for the easement request and reiterated that if the
Niemans wanted to, they could have their property disked along with the
other neighbors.
Luanne Nieman clarified that she has no intention of developing the
property and that if the City wishes to impose a limitation prohibiting
future development, the Neimans would agree to that. She reported on her
many efforts'in attempting to have her property disked.
Marilyn Norling reiterated her offer to the Niemans to cooperate in the
disking of their land. She pointed out the County has a'listing of
people Who do disking which the Neimans may want to utilize.
Steve Dymand, the Applicant, gave background on the acquisition and plans
for his property. He stated he has complied with all direction from
Council and=spoke strongly against granting an easement to the Niemans
for any purpose. He said it is not Council's place to give access to a
· property which already has access off the street and that Council does
not have the right to cloud his property title. He said that although
health and safety considerations have been brought up no one has
addressed the Council on any issue other than disking..
Councilmember Moyles clarified that the health and safety concerns in
this case are those that might be created by growth of underbrush where
the absence of disking could create a fire hazard. He said he does not
city CouncilMinutes 9 December 6, 1989
believe the easement is required because this is not a public health and
safety concern that cannot easily be addressed by other means less
drastic than requiring Mr. Dymand to grant access. He stated that even if
the easement were granted it would not address the Niemans' concerns
regarding full use and enjoyment of their property. He said that the
easement, if required, must address an effect of the development, created
by the development, and that he believes it does not. He supported the
variances granted by the Planning Commission because they eliminate the
possibility of far greater development and far greater impacts and stated
that the appeal should be denied.
Councilmember Peterson stated his extreme reluctance to grant this
easement for the reasons given which he feels are not valid and for which
there is no overwhelming safety need present. He agreed with
Councilmember Moyles' remarks and stated he would vote to deny the
appeal.
Councilmember Anderson agreed with Councilmember Moyles in that the
Council is probably not addressing the Niemans' needs regarding their
rear property by granting the requested easement. She expressed her
concern with an informal agreement for disk access and stated she would
like to see a written agreement between the Niemans and the Dymands for
the access to disk.
Councilmember Stutzman reported his findings after walking the property
in question. He felt the property is accessible by caterpillar,' tractor
or truck but would not be in favor of a formal road. He felt there
should be some access for fire equipment as the area is heavily wooded.
He stated his belief the request is minimal and supported the granting of
a safety access to be used for property maintenance and that improper use
should be penalized.
Mayor Clevenger stated that because it does not appear neighborhood
cooperation will solve the issue, she believes there should be access for
disking.
Lengthy discussion ensued regarding whether the Council should impose
access for disking to eliminate a fire hazard and what form of access it
should be. Several alternatives were discussed.
Mrs. Fanelli posed a list of questions and concerns which the Dymands
would want the Niemans to agree to if such an agreement becomes
necessary.
Mr. Toppel suggested that rather than Council solving the mechanics, he
would prefer to see the applicant and neighbors work out'an access
agreement in favor of the Niemans to be brought back to Council for
review, approval and recordation. If an agreement cannot be worked out
perhaps Council would then need to impose an easement and indicate the
location of same.
MOYLES/PETERSON MOVED TO DENY THE APPEAL. Failed 2-3 (Anderson,
Clevenger and Stutzman opposed).
CLEVENGER/ANDERSON MOVED TO IMPOSE ACCESS FOR WEED ABATEMENT AND GIVE THE
PARTIES 60 DAYS TO AGREE AMONG THEMSELVES HOW THIS ACCESS WILL BE
DETERMINED. Passed 3-2 (Moyles, Peterson opposed.)
Mr. Peacock clarified the agreement must contain language which indicates
that no building permit will be issued the Dymands until the agreement is
recorded.
It was agreed to amend the motion to delete the 60-day reference.
Mr. Toppel suggested the Dymands may want to consider a grant which the
City could accept. He said this condition is not subject to an agreement
with the Niemans but can be done unilaterally as long as.the City
approves it.
CONSENSUS BY COUNCILMEMBERS ANDERSON, CLEVENGER AND 8TUTZMAN, TO UPHOLD
THE PLANNING COMMISSION DECISION, THAT IS, TO DENY THE APPEAL AND MODIFY
THE DECISION OF THE PLANNING COMMISSION BY ADDING A CONDITION WHICH
REQUIRES THAT AN ACCESS AGREEMENT FOR WEED ABATEMENT ONLY BE RECORDED ON
THE DYMAND PROPERTY IN FAVOR OF THE OWNERS OF THE PROPERTY AT 13217
PADERO COURT, SARATOGA~ CA, 95070. ALSO, CONSENSUS TO HAVE THE CITY
ATTORNEY DEVELOP A RESOLUTION TO BE BROUGHT BACK IN TWO WEEKS FOR
City council Minutes 10 December 6, 1989
APPROVAL WHICH WILL INCLUDE LANGUAGE DISCUSSED WHICH COUNCILMEMBERS
DETERMINED MUST BE INCLUDED IN SAID RESOLUTION.
Mr. Dymandreiterated strong opposition to the access agreement and
reiterated that Council does not have the right to do this.
B. Report and update on Santa Clara County's. General Plan Review
Mr. Peacock referred to the status report from staff as an information
item only.
7. NEW BUSINESS
'A.' Extension of Cooperative Agreement for Reconstruction of Bridges
on Quito Road
MOYLES/PETERSON MOVED TO APPROVE AGREEMENT AND AUTHORIZE MAYOR AND CITY
CLERK TO EXECUTE ON BEHALF OF CITY. Passed 5-0.
B. .Waiver of Fees for saratoga High School Christmas Tree Sales
Temporary Use Permit (TUP. 89-004)
ANDERSON/MOYLES MOVED TO WAIVE $400 PERMIT FEE AND $250 CLEAN-UP DEPOSIT.
Passed 5-0.
C;' Award of contract for Re-roofing Community center and
Resolution appropriating funds
MOYLESZCLEVENGER MOVED TO AWARD CONTRACT TO GUY'S ROOFING IN THE AMOUNT
oF $49,400 AND ADOPT RESOLUTION 2575.9 APPROPRIATING FUNDS. Passed 5-
0.-
9. CITY COUNCIL ITEMS
Reports from Individual Councilmembers
1) Councilmember Peterson reported on a letter he received from
the Rotary Club requesting they be allowed to place banners for the art
show. He suggested that a pro~ess be set up similar to the banner in
Blaney Plaza and that those interested make a request through the
Maintenance'Director. Councilmember Moyles suggested and staff agreed to
prepare information and a recommendation and that the matter be agendized
to a-future Council Study Session.
2) Councilmember Moyles referred to Mr. Samuelson's "no"
response to the City's request for .a waiver. He requested that the
matter be one of priority for the new City Engineer to expedite.
3) Councilmember Moyles reported on two issues regarding the
Traffic Authority: 1) Bascom Avenue and 2) Winchester Boulevard.
4) Mayor Clevenger discussed and requested that Council
consider agendizing a policy for planting trees for deceased Planning
Commissioners.
5) Mayor Clevenger reported on the City of Campbell's
"Earthquake Law". Mr. Toppel verified that every city in the State must
implement that law. Mr. Peacock reviewed the City's efforts to date.
Mayor Clevenger requested that when information becomes available that it
be scheduled for a Council Study Session before agendized on the City
Council Agenda.
· B. Items added to the Agenda
City Manager requested that two items be added to the agenda which had
arisen after the posting of the agenda.
MOYLES/CLEVENGER MOVED TO ADD THE TWO ITEMS TO THE AGENDA AS REQUESTED BY
THE CITY MANAGER. Passed 5-0.
'Resolution appointing Councilmember Peterson as Saratoga's
-representative to the Santa Clara County Cities
Association.
MOYLES/CLEVENGER MOVED TO ADOPT RESOLUTION 2586.~. Passed 5-0.
City Council Minutes 11 December 6, 1989
2) Resolution concerning designation of applicant's agent as
Harry Peacock or Patricia Shriver
The City Manager explained that the designation of the City's agent was
necessary in order to progess requests for disaster funds through the
State Office of Emergency Services.
MOYLES/ANDERSON MOVED TO ADOPT RESOLUTION 2614. Passed 5-0.
10. ADJOURNMENT
The meeting was adjourned at 11:30 p.m. in memory of Russ Crowther,
Planning Commissioner, to closed session on potential litigation
concerning Draft Environmental Impact Report for E1 Paseo Redevelopment
prepared by City of San Jose.
Councilmember Stutzman gave the following tribute to Mr. Crowther:
"Russ was truly a man for all time. In fact, a man ahead of his time. I
had the good fortune to know him for two years and the misfortune for not
knowing him longer. He was a very private man--a modest, caring person
for his family, friends, community and the environment. He was a
brilliant individual, probably one of the most, of that category, that I
have ever known. He will be long remembered by those of us who knew and
by many who didn't know him, for he did leave a heritage which will
benefit many for years to come. Some men walk this earth with shoes that
are much too large for any successor to fill. Such a man was Russ
Crowther and I am certain that our Creator must be proud of His handiwork
in Russ and I wish to offer thanks on the part of Saratoga for His
willingness to have shared him with us, the brief period of time that
Russ had on this earth. May God be with you, Russ Crowther, and may you
rest in peace."
Respectfully submitted,
~R~. Linde a~
Minutes Clerkind~e~'