HomeMy WebLinkAbout02-07-1990 City Council Minutes MINUTES
SARATOGA CITY COUNCIL
TIME: Wednesday, February 7, 1990 - 7:30 p.m.
PLACE: Civic Theater, 13777 Fruitvale Ave.
TYPE: Regular Meeting
1. ROLL CALL
Councilmembers Anderson, Moyles, Stutzman and Mayor Clevenger present
at 7:30 p.m. Councilmember Peterson was absent
2. CEREMONIAL ITEMS
A. Proclamations Commending Andrew Beverett, Joan Bose, Keith
and M~ldred Gordon, IJoan Lambert and Dorothy Peck for
service in Human Relations.
Mayor Clevenger thanked the volunteers for their much needed and
appreciated service for each specific endeavor. She read and presented
a proclamation from the City of Saratoga to each volunteer and reported
that the Santa Clara County Office of Human Relations and the [riends
of the Human Relations Commission are planning to recognize the
Imeritorious service of these citizens at the 10th Annual Awards Banquet
to be held [ebruary 22, 1990.
3. ROUTINE MATTERS
A. Approval of Minutes - 1/17, 1/23
MOYLES/ANDERSON MOVED TO APPROVE THE MINUTES OF 1/17/90, AND 1/23/90
AS PRESENTED. Passed 4-0 (Peterson absent).
B. Approval of Warrant List
ANDERSON/STUTZMAN MOVED TO APPROVE WARRANT LIST. Passed 4-0 (Peterson
absent).
C. Report of City Clerk on Posting of Agenda
Pursuant to Government Code 54954.2, the agenda for this meeting was
properly posted on February 2.
Mr. Peacock requested that Council make the following changes to
tonight's agenda:
1) that Item E. be moved to New Business because a resolution and
declaration must be acted upon by Council;
2) that Council respond to a request received yesterday for
consideration of the City participating in a dinner honoring military
personnel in the Bay Area who assisted in the October 17, 1990
earthquake response. The dinner is scheduled to be held on February
24.
3) that City Council consider two additional Closed Session issues:
(a) discuss the filing of a lawsuit by the Coalition for Hillside
Protection against the City and Ira Velinsky, et al. regarding the
Velinsky house, and (b) discuss settlement of the Feinstein matter.
ANDERSON/CLEVENGER MOVED APPROVAL OF THE ABOVE LISTED AGENDA CHANGES
DUE TO THE URGENT NATURE. Passed 4-0 (Peterson absent)~
4. CONSENT CALENDAR
These items will be acted upon in one motion unless they are removed
from the Consent Calendar for discussion by Councilmembers or any
interested party.
A. Planning Commission Actions, 1/24 - Noted and filed.
B. Library Commission Minutes, 1/24 - Noted and filed.
C. Saratoga Community AccessCATV Foundation Board Minutes,
City Council Minutes 2 February 7, 1990
12/12; 1/16 - Noted and filed.
D. Summary of Annual Public Safety Commission Retreat, 1/20 -
Noted and filed.
E. Approval of purchase of automobile to replace 1987 Dodge
Aries which was damaged on 1/12/90
F. Approval of purchase of automobile to replace 4-door Toyota
G. Authorization to purchase above-grouna diesel fuel tank
H. Authorization for attendance of one staff member and three
Parks and Recreation Commissioners at 1990 california Park
and Recreation Society conference in San Diego, 3/15-18,
with reasonable and necessary expenses
I. Authorization for attendance of Planning Director and three
Planning Commissioners at League of California Cities
Planning commission Institute in san Diego, 3/21~23, with
reasonable and necessary expenses
· . Proclamation for community College Week
Regarding Item D., Mayor Clevenger requested that the Summary of Annual
Public Safety Commission Retreat, in particular the Goals and Emphasis
for 1990, be included in the next Council meeting packet.
Councilmember Moyles pulled items H. and I.
ANDERSON/CLEVENGER MOVED TO APPROVE CONSENT CALENDAR WITH EXCEPTION OF
ITEMS E., H. AND I. Passed 4-0 (Peterson absent)'.
H. Authorization for attendance of one staff member and three
Parks and Recreation Commissioners at 1990 California Park
andRecreatlon Society Conference in San Diego, 3/15-18,
with reasonable and necessary expenses.
I. Authorization for attendance of Planning Director and three
Planning commissioners at League of Californla Cities
Planning commission Institute in San Diego, 3/21-23 with
reasonable and necessary expenses.
Councilmember Moyles requested that Council not limit'the authorization
for attendance to only three Commissioners. Mr. Peacock clarified that
the option to-attend is available to all Commissioners.
MOYLES/ANDERSON MOVED APPROVAL OF CONSENT ITEMS H. AND I.
5. COMMUNICATIONS FROM COMMISSIONS AND THE PUBLIC
A. ORAL COMMUNICATIONS
· Tom Reddick, Larchmont Avenue, expressed concern that although the
increase of garbage piqkup rates for recycling is minimal, it is a
burden to the low-incomeS. Mayor Clevenger pointed out alternatives for
senior citizens includihg information that they could apply for the
reduced cest, single-cab pickup or they could have the option not to
have garbage pickup.
In response to Mr. Red~ick regardiAg the bottle and can recycling "-
mandated by the State, M~yor Clevenger suggested Mr. Reddick write the
Governor regarding his i question of who is responsible for medical
expenses incurred if during the recycling effort someone gets hurt
preparing those items fdr recycling. Mayor Clevenger stated the City
would not.pay for those~medical expenses.
B. WRITTEN COMMUNICATIONS
1) Ira Ve~insky, donating Ricoh Model 3100 Fax machine
to city!
CONSENSUS TO HOLD OFFi ACCEPTANCE OF THE FAX MACHINE. UNTIL THE
PROCEEDINGS REGARDING THE VELINSKY HOME ARE COMPLETED. Passed 4-0
City Council Minutes 3 February 7, 1990
Peterson absent).
2) Request from Planning Commission for traffic control
at Titus/Prospect intersection for Primary Plus
Preschool
MOYLES/ANDERSON MOVED APPROVAL OF STAFF'S RECOMMENDATION THAT COUNCIL
REQUEST A REVIEW OF REQUEST BY PUBLIC SAFETY COMMISSION AND CITY
ENGINEER.
During discussion, Councilmember'Anderson commented that a review
process should be continued every six months.
Mr. Peacock clarified that Council can direct staff to continue to make
informal reviews and reports to the Planning Commission every six
months.
Mayor Clevenger CALLED FOR THE QUESTION ON THE ABOVE STATED MOTION.
Passed 4-0 (Peterson absent).
6. OLD BUSINESS
A. Report from City Manager on proposed changes - Development
review and implementation process
Mr. Peacock reported that to strengthen the development review and
implementation process for private development in Saratoga the
preliminary conclusions are: the bifurcated plan approval process which
occurred on Tract 7770 should not be allowed.again, 2) administration
of the development review process after tentative map approval must be
strengthened and 3) the inspection process, once work is ready to
commence, must be strengthened.
Mr. Peacock stated another key element being suggested is that no final
map approval be granted by the City until all improvements are in and
approved. Also, that work being required off-site, no longer be
allowed to be done by the developer but the developer will be required
to deposit funds with the City and the City will contract for that work
to be done. Changes to the bonding agreements have also been
suggested, that is, that they be part of the process of acceptance and
approvals before development is allowed.
In response to a question from Councilmember Anderson, Mr. Peacock
clarified that two issues will be taken into consideration to determine
if daily inspection is needed: 1) whether or not it is a discretionary
project as defined in the Environmental Quality Act, and 2) how complex
the project is.
Councilmember Anderson stated she would like to See that there not be
too much of a burden placed on those developers who have, in the past,
been more than circumspect with the City.
Mr. Peacock clarified that the construction schedules must be given to
the City in order that maps, etc., can be sent to the Sheriff's
Department and to the City's Community Services Officer.
Councilmember Stutzman ~upported the changes.
Councilmember Moyles suggested that before Council adopt the process,
that the Planning Commission be given an opportunity to review the
changes after which Public Hearing could be held.
Discussion ensued wherein Mr. Peacock and Mr. Toppel briefly discussed
the anticipated schedule and timeline for developing consensus of the
Development Review and Implementation Process. Mr. Toppel pointed out
it is hoped that the changes recommended concerning inspections,
conditions, etc., can be incorporated into one document which the
developer will sign.
MOYLES/STUTZMAN MOVED THE REPORT BE PLACED ON THE FEBRUARY 28 PLANNING
COMMISSION AGENDA AND ON THE MARCH 21 CITY COUNCIL AGENDA. Passed 4-
0 (peterson absent).
Mayor Clevenger moved the agenda to Public Hearings, since the hour of
8:00 p.m. had passed.
City Counoil Minutes ~ 4 February 7, 1990
8. PUBLIC HEARINGSi
A. Projeots for 1990-91 community Development Block Grant
Funds and Human Services Grants
Ms. Carolyn King, Assiatant to the City Manager, stated the purpose of
the Public Hearing'is to consider proposals and make determinations on
the Housing and Community Development Act (HCDA) Block Grant Funds for
FY 90/91 and to makeiadditional grants in general funds to human
services agencies serving Saratoga residents. The City will receive
an HCDA allocation of approximately $147,000 for eligible project costs
to be used primarily ito benefit low and moderate income persons.
$86,000 in General Fund~ is available for grant~ to non-profit agencies
providing basic needs 4o the low-income and elderly.
Sixteen proposals h~ve been received totaling $298,000. Staff
recommendations total $211,150 of which $147,000 are from HCDA funds
and $64,150 from the G~neral Funds. Staff's recommendation is based
on allocating no more than $22,050 of HCDA funds for public services
at this time~· Eventtally, perhaps an additional $10,000 may be
utilized for public service but that is unknown at this time.
Staff recommendations are divided into three categories which Ms. King
reviewed in detail. S~aff recommends all HCDA public service dollars
be allocated to Saratoga Senior COordinating. Council Operations
proposal and smaller am6unts ·in human services from the General Funds.
Discussion ensued wherein Ms. King answered various questions regarding
- selected agencies to r&ceive funds and regarding Housing Development
Project Funds ($10,000 !must remain in that fund).
Mayor Clevenger opened ithe Public Hearing at 8:22 p.m.
Cary Wi~liams, Housing for Independent People (H.I.P.) requested
approvals for- both p~ojects proposed for low-income seniors and
developmentally disable~ be funded. The project offers the residents
permanent housing and']supportive service and intensive independent
living training. He stated there is a great need for both projects.
Keith Gordon, Saratoga ~Ar a Senior Coordinating Council, thanked the
~e
City Council for its support through the 10 years the program has been
in operation. He urged support for the requested projects. The
Coordinating Council hopes to raise approximately 50% of the budget for
the Senior Center Operation and the Saratoga Day Care.
Donna Donahue, Long Term Care Ombudsman Program, thanked the City
Council for its past ~upport. ,She reported the program's target
population consists of ~aratoga residents who are frail, elderly, low-
moderate income and whoi do not have anyone to speak for their rights
if the Ombudsman Progra~ does not exist. She reported briefly on past
accomplishments of the program and explained what the funds received
are utilized for.
Leta Friedlander, Execdtive Director, Live Oak ·Adult Day SerVices
Program, thanked Council for its past support. Mrs. Friedlander
reported her project is! a non-profit community service project which
provides a program of so~ial day care for frail elderly and handicapped
adults. The program ~nables them to· remain in their homes and
community rather than ih institutional care. Ms. Friedlander gave to
the City Council a copy ~of a study completed jointly by the United Way
and the Council on Aging pertaining to adult day care. She reported
on earthquake damage to the program's building which has been repaired.
Janet King-Goth,·Exe tiVe Director, Senior Coordinating Council of the cu
Los Gates area, thanked the City Council for inclusion into the budget
for the Case Management Program. She reported on past in-home program
service to the Saratoga!seniors for the past seven years and answered
various questions from C?uncil regarding funding and specific services
it would provide Saratoga residents. She reported that matching County
funds will go only to th~se cities which provide funds. Ms. King-Goth
reported that approximately 50% program clientele212 are from the Los
Gates/Cambrian area, 25~ are from Campbell;'and 25% from Saratoga.
Tom Reddick urged the C'ity Council to visit the senior programs and
stated his opinion that many of the seniors would be willing to
volunteer services where~ needed.
City Council Minutes 5 February 7, 1990
No one further appearing to speak, Mayor Clevenger closed the Public
Hearing at 8:50 p.m.
Discussion ensued regarding recommended funding for the projects.
Councilmember Stutzman suggested an increase for the Case Management
Program and an increase for the Para Transit Program.
Mayor Clevenger expressed concern that only 3% of the Live Oak Adult
Day Care Program population is comprised of Saratoga residents. Mayor
Clevenger recommended full funding for the Case Management Program.
MOYLES/STUTZMAN MOVED TO FUND THE CASE MANAGEMENT PROGRAM AT $2,500;
THE PARA TRANSIT PROGRAMAT $6,500; LIVE OAK ADULT DAY CARE AT $1,500;
AND THE OTHER PROJECTS AS LISTED ON PAGE 3 OF STAFF'S SUMMARY OF HCDA
AND HUMAN SERVICES GRANT PROPOSALS FOR FY 1990/91. Passed 4-0
(Peterson absent).
B. Ordinance Regulating Toxic Gases
Mr. Peacock reported this is a Public Hearing to consider the adoption
of a model toxic gas ordinance developed by the Santa Clara County Fire
Chiefs Association, reviewed extensively by industry and environmental
groups as being adequate and acceptable by same.
The goal of the ordinance is to create a system which will actively
control and prevent the release of toxic gases into the atmosphere when
being used for industrial or commercial purposeS, and to establish a
· system of required response and emergency plans by users which wil.1
protect the community in the event of an emergency. It is hoped the
ordinance will be adopted uniformly by the fifteen cities.in the County
and by the County. This endeavor will be a nationwide model'and is the
first attempt to uniformly regulate these kinds of substances. Mr.
Peacock reported that staff gave notice to those segments of the
community who could be potentially affected by the regulations
contained in the ordinance.
Mr. Toppel clarified that this ordinance will constitute an additional
article being added to the 1988 edition of the Uniform Fire Code.
Currently, the code has not been fully reviewed. Therefore, although
staff is recommending introduction of the ordinance, the second reading
and adoption will be postponed until the Fire Chiefs present their
changes to the 1988 Fire Code. At that time, both ordinances will be
placed before the Council for adoption.
Mayor Clevengeropened the Public Hearing at 9:10 p.m.
No one appearing to speak, the Public Hearing was closed at 9:12 p.m.
MOYLES/ANDERSON MOVED TO INTRODUCE AN ORDINANCE AMENDING THE 1988
EDITION OF THE UNIFORM FIRE CODE BY ADDING ARTICLE 88 CONCERNING TOXIC
GASES. Passed 4-0 (Peterson absent).
C. ~earing of Any Objections to Abatement of Nuisance Declared
at 12501 De Sanka on January 3, 1990 (Property owner,
Winston Chew)
Mr. Peacock reviewed his Executive Summary to the City Council
regarding this matter and reported that the majority of the items
located at the property on January 3, 1990 are still located there.
Staff does not consider that the nuisance has been removed.
Mayor Clevenger opened the Public Hearing at 9:15 p.m.
Winston Chew, 12501 De Sanka Avenue, stated that since the January 3
Council Meeting, he has centacted a professional for assistance with
his problem of collecting things. He stated he has tried to comply
with staff's direction in clearing the property. He reiterated his
apology and requested ~hat he be given consideration until Monday
February 12, 1990 so that he could try to complete the direction
without having to hire assistance.
Mr. Toppel clarified that there will beno action taken by the City on
the abatement before Monday. He stated the City's preference is that
Mr. Chew abate the property in order to make a determination as to what
City Council Minutes 6 February ?, 1990
he wishes to save or discard. If the City must abate the property;
nothing will be saved.~
In response to a question from Mayor Clevenger concerning inspections
of the property in order to make certain this does not happen in the
future, Mr. Toppel sta~ed there is nothing in this proceeding to handle
future problems. As ~art of the Community Service Officer's normal
routine, the area willibe patrolled. He stated that there will be new
ordinances put in place which will apply to the entire City regarding
storage of personal prQperty in areas exposed to public view.
MOYLES/ANDERSON MOVED T9 OVERRULE OBJECTIONS AND PROCEED WITH ABATEMENT
AS RECOMMENDED BY STAFF. Passed 4-0 (Peterson absent).
(Cle~k's note: As Councilmember Moyles indicated he would have to
leave at 10:00 p.m., there was no recess'.)
Mayor CleVenger returned to items preceding Public Hearings on the
agenda.
7. NEW BUSINESS
A i S
A. Appeal of ,dm nl tratlve Decision to Record Notice of Code
Violation (iAppellant, I. Khan)
Mr. Peacock reported this appeal has been filed as a result of the
Notice of Recordation 6f Code Violations on Lot 9, TraCt 7770 and as
a result of an AdministPative Hearing conducted by the City Manager on
January 15, 1990 wher&in it was determined that grading and tree
removal violations of ~he subdivision conditions exist. Mr. Peacock
referred to the documents in tonight's meeting packet.
Imdad Khan, Appellant, ~ddressed the Council to reiterate that he and
his wife have been innocent of any wrong doing and that he had no
knowledge of the tree r~moval. He requested that Lot 9 of Tract 7770
be separated from the subdivision and dealt with separately. He stated
he would cooperate fully with. the City to satisfy necessary
requirements. He requested that the City hold off on the Recordation
of Code Violations uHtil such time the corrective measures are
completed.
Mr. Toppel reported that tonight's proceedings will not affect or
prevent mitigation plans by Mr. and Mrs. Khan to discuss with the City
how the property will be!restored. When the nuisance is abated and the
situation corrected, the Notice of Code Violation will be terminated.
MOYLES/ANDERSON MOVED T~E APPEAL BE DENIEDAND THAT THE DECISION OF THE
CITY MANAGER BE SUSTAINED. Passed 4-0 (Peterson absent).
B. Implementation of the California Integrated Waste
Management Act of 1989 (AB 939)
MOYLES/ANDERSON MOVED A~PROVAL OF STAFF RECOMMENDATION TO DIRECT CITY
MANAGER TO .COOPERATE WIGTH OTHER WEST VALLEY CITIES IN DEVELOPING A
JOINT PROGRAM OF IMPLEMENTATION IF FEASIBLE; PROCEED TO DEVELOP
INDIVIDUAL ACTION PLAN iF JOINT PROGRAM IS NOT FEASIBLE; REPORT BACK
NO LATER THAN FIRST MEETING IN JUNE. Passed 4-0 (Peterson absent).
C. Funding of Mazardous Waste Plan Implementation
MOYLES/ANDERSON MOVED ~TO' ADOPT RESOLUTION 2575.12 INCREASING
APPROPRIATIONS AND AMENDING THE FY 1990 BUDGET TO FUND CITY'S SHARE
($6,500) FOR HAZARDOUS WASTE MANAGEMENT PLAN FOR FY 1990-91. Passed
4-0'(Peterson absent).
Mr. Peacock reported that the City will seek reimbursement under the
State's Mandate Act.
D. Authorizatioh of Publ'icity for Upcoming Hearings - Hornung
Appeal; Ng Appeal; Hillside Fencing ordinance; Ordinance
on Repair of]vehicles on Residential Property
ANDERSON/STUTZMAN MOVED :APPROVAL OF STAFF RECOMMENDATION TO APPROVE
PUBLICITY AS RECOMMENDED[
E. 'Approval of ~urchase of automobile to replace 1987 Dodge
Aries which was damaged on 1/12/90'and appropriation.
City Council Minutes 7 February 7, 1990
MOYLES/ANDERSON MOVED TO DECLARE THE DODGE ARIES AS SURPLUS. Passed
4-0 (Peterson absent).
MOYLES/ANDERSON MOVED TO ADOPT APPROPRIATIONS RESOLUTION NO. 2575.12.
Passed 4-0 (Peterson absent).
ANDERSON/MOYLES MOVED TO AUTHORIZE STAFF TO EXECUTE PURCHASE ORDER TO
ACQUIRE A REPLACEMENT POOL CAR FROM THE STATE OF CALIFORNIA OFFICE OF
PROCUREMENT. Passed 4-0 (Peterson absent).
9. CITY COUNCIL ITEMS
A. ·Items for Agenda of Joint Meeting with Public safety
Commission February 13
Mayor Clevenger pointed out that she has requested that the
Commission's goals and review of its past year activity be placed on
that agenda.
Mr. Peacock reported he will be adding discussion regarding several
letters received from the community which express concern regarding
height of the retaining walls at Cox Avenue.
B. Drug Free Zone Signs at all saratoga Schools - Councilman
Peterson
CONSENSUS TO CONTINUE DUE TO COUNCILMEMBER PETERSON'S ABSENCE.
C. Informal Discussion On Nelson Gardens - Mayor Clevenger
Mayor Clevenger reported it has come to-Council's attention that Nelson
Gardens has become available for sale and that she would like to
discuss what options Saratoga may have relative to acquisition of that
land.
Lengthy discussion ensued regarding budget projections of long-term
revenues and expenditures. Mr. Peacock reported that unless the City
Council is willing to significantly reduce reserve requirements or
significantly modify the Capital Improvements Program for the City,
there is not much money for the purchase of open space, given the
current tax structure of the City.
Mr. Peacock reported on several potential funding mechanisms which have
been discussed.
Councilmember Anderson reported that several letters have been received
from the public recommending that the issue be placed on the ballot.
Mr. Peacock clarified the various options open to the Council for such
an endeavor and possible costs that would be involved.
Mayor Clevenger suggested the Finance Committee be requested to review
the possibilities as it reviews the Capital Improvement Budget.
Councilmember Anderson suggested the Finance Committee be requested to
review what kind of money it would take to have the City put in an
Option to Buy while the property is under study.
· Councilmember Moyles said he felt the determination hasn't yet been
made as to whether or not the City should acquire the property. He said
he would like to have the results of the public survey regarding open
space which should be available the first week in March.
Councilmember Anderson pointed Out that there were a series of open
hearings throughout the process involving the community wherein there
seems to have been agreement that the Nelson Gardens become a community
park. She felt the community showed sufficient interest that this be
pursued.
Mayor Clevenger suggested the Open Space Survey results be agendized
for the first Council Meeting in March, along with a discussion of
Nelson Gardens, and how that fits in with the Open Space survey
results.
Councilmember Moyles said he would assume the' Council would want to
City Council Minutes 8 February 7, 1990
share survey results wl]th the Parks Commission and hear comments from
them.
Mr. Peacock reported on!the status of an RFP to update the Master Plan
for the Parks and Trail System which will come before the Council on
March 7. The outcome 6f the Open Space Survey will be considered in
one of the components.
Further lengthy discussion ensued regarding whether or not Council
should consider obtaining an Option to Buy on the property fo~ a
certain period of time.i
Anne Waltonsmith, 21060[Saratoga Hills, reported on a conversation she
had with a Board Member of the Nelson Foundation who indicated the
Foundation had no objection to selling the garden to the City but that
they had no'plans to hold it for the City. That person recommended the
City contact the realty company representing the Foundation. She
pointed out that Nelson Gardens has been studied for two years and felt
frustrated to hear CoUnCil talk about more studies. She recommended
1) that the City appoint a representative from the Council to start
negotiations to keep the property off the market, 2) that Council
dedicate some money thia evening to have an assessed value completed,
and 3) that the CouncilScontinue looking for creative ways to acquire
funds.
Donald McCrea,- 20679 R d Lane, spoke in favor of the purchase of ee
Nelson Gardens and reitarated that there seemed to be consensus among
the Nelson Gardens Committee that the purchase should be made. He
stated it would be a crime against the people and the environment to
let it be developed.
ive
Paul Griffith, Malcom ,A nue, stated he would like to see some
commitment on the part!of the City Council. He spoke in favor of
purchase of the property.
Willem Kohl~, 21842 V~a Regina, spoke in favor of open space and
stated the Nelson Gardens is an ideal property to preserve. He
recommended council review the budget for possible transfer'of funds
to purchase and then to jet funds aside, on a long-termbasis, for open
space acquisitions.
Max Rasmusson, Woodward Court,'stated there are objections to the
purchase Of Nelson Gardens. He stated his opposition to adding this
property as a park with~n a block of the existing park of Foothill
SChool which, in his opinion, receives very little use except ~uring
school hours. He expressed objection that the taxpayers would be
paying for the upkeep if the property is purchased for park use and
stated he can see no re~son to add park land if present parks cannot
be maintained. He felt that any expenditure of this magnitude should
beplaCed before the voters.
-Betty Peck, Saratoga Avenue, thanked the City for its efforts to better
SaratOga. She spoke in~support of placing an Option to Buy on the
property and suggested that perhaps a- newspaper article requesting
financial assistance from private donors could be considered. She
reported she has had d.ai~y requests for ecology programs for students
in the County.
Monte' Boisen,' Lindy Avenue, stated that he believes the open space
Nelson Gardens could provide is unwarranted because within a few
hundred feet of that property is Foothill School and Foothill Park
which are seldom utiliz&d and because the millions of dollars for
acquisition, maintenance~nd liability protection for this space which
is not needed, is a costly and unthinkable precedent. He urged that
if Council determines'to ~cquire the property, that the issue be placed
on the ballot.
Discussion ensued regarding whether the City should appoint a
representative to negotiate an Option to Buy.
Councilmember Moyles st'~ted that ,he believes the discussion of
appointing a representative pre-supposes that the Council wants the
property. He felt that if the City is not in a position to purchase
the property, then the City should not interfere with the listing. He
stated that in his opinioD,, to appoint a representative to acquire the
property would render meaningless the Council's agreement to pursue the
City council Minutes 9 February 7, 1990
Open Space Survey. He urged Council not to 1) appoint a
representative, 2) that Council should consult with the Commissions,
3) that Council should look at funding mechanisms and 4) Council should
take a broader view of open space needs of the City.
Councilmember Anderson felt that tonight's discussion was to approach
the foundation to determine if there is an option to keep the property
off the market. She suggested that the City consider putting aside a
certain amount of funds from Capital Improvements ($500,000) and use
it as a 4-1 matching fund, subject to this fund having sufficient
pledges and donations to purchase the property.
CONSENSUS (WITH EXCEPTION OF COUNCILMEMBER MOYLES) THAT THE CITY
MANAGER WILL NEGOTIATE WITH THE FOUNDATIONS REALTOR FOR A NO-COST
OPTION TO KEEP THE PROPERTY OFF THE MARKET AND THAT THE ISSUE BE
AGENDIZED IN CLOSED SESSION NEXT WEEK AFTER THE COUNCIL'S STUDY
SESSION.
Councilmember Moyles voiced his dissent and stated he felt
uncomfortable with a Closed Session.
ANDERSON/STUTZMAN MOVED THAT A CLOSED SESSION ON THIS SUBJECT BE PLACED
ON COUNCIL'S NEXT STUDY SESSION. Passed 3-1 (Moyles ~oted no,.peterson
was absent).
Brief discussion ensued regarding what role the Finance Advisory
Committee could take on the issue. Mr. Peacock suggested that the
Finance be requested to review what alternatives the City could take.
(Clerk's note: Councilmember Moyles left the meeting at 10:45 p.m. and
did not return).
D. Discussion of Intergovernmental Council Dues - Mayor
Clevenger
Following brief discussion, there was CONSENSUS TO CONTINUE ONE MONTH.
E', -Reports from Individual Councilmembers
Anderson - Suggested and there was CONSENSUS TO WRITE A LETTER OVER
MAYOR CLEVENGER'S SIGNATURE TO THE TRANSPORTATION AGENCY SUGGESTING
THAT WASTE RECLAMATION LINES BE INSTALLED IN ROUTE 85, ROUTE 87 AS
SUGGESTED BY THE STATE BUREAU OF RECLAMATION.
Mayor Clevenger reported that a substitute representative is needed to
attend the ICC Meeting tomorrow night in Councilmember Peterson's
absence.
There was consensus to take no action on the invitation to participate
in the dinner honoring military personel in the Bay Area who assisted
in the October earthquake response.
10. ADJOURNMENT
The meeting was adjourned at 11:00 p.m. to closed session on potential
litigation concerning Draft Environmental Impact Report for E1 Paseo
Redevelopment prepared by City of San Jose and on illegal grading,
clearing and tree removal on Cocciardi/Chadwick development, Tr. 7770;
Claim against Robert C. Pierce et al. for damage to City property;
Coalition for Hillside Protection lawsuit; settlement of Feinstein
matter.
The meeting was reconvened at 12:15 a.m. The City Manager announced
that the City Council had authorized him to settle the claim against
Robert C. Pierce et al.
The meeting was then adjourned to 7:30 p.m. on February 13.
Respectfully submitted,
Minutes clerk
/