HomeMy WebLinkAbout04-18-1990 City Council Minutes MINUTES
SARATOGA CITY COUNCIL
TIME: Wednesday, April 18, 1990 - 7:30 p.m.
PLACE: Civic Theater, 13777 Fruitvale Ave.
STUDY SESSION - 5:30 p.m.
Adult Day Care Center, 19655 Allendale Ave.
The meeting was called to order at 6:00 p.m. Councilmembers Anderson,
Moyles, Peterson, Stutzman and Mayor Clevenger were. present. Staff
members present were City Manager Peacock, City Attorney Toppel, and
City Engineer Perlin.
1. Non-point Source Pollution Report
The City Engineer made a presentation on Volume III - Santa Clara
Valley Nonpoint Source Control Program. He explained the history of
the project and Saratoga's participation to date. He discussed the
concept of the use of control measures which are proposed to be
instituted Valley-wide and a range of measures which could be applied
on a community basis to reduce non-point source pollutants entering
South San Francisco Bay. He indicated the current estimated annual
cost to implement Valley-wide,control measures at between $2 and $2.5
million; Saratoga's share is 1.59% as set by the current formula. This
formula is the most advantageous to the City from a cost perspective.
Funds for this cost will have to be budgeted starting in July 1990 and
continue for an indefinite period.
A joint permit application has been filed on behalf of 15 county
jurisdictions. Once the permit is approved a more accurate cost for
the program will be generated as decisions on implementation are made.
The Council complimented the excellent work the City Engineer has done
in this area and the quality of his presentation of a most complex
technical subject.
2. Agenda for Policy Development Conference
The City council reviewed the 45 items listed in the City Manager's
Report of April 18, 1990, and directed the following items to be placed
on its aqenda for the May 5 policy development meeting.
a. Road permit ordinance
b. Bike path maintenance
c. Amendments to State Law to increase penalties for violation of
California Environmental Quality Act
d. Further restrictions on house size in hillside areas.
e. Candidate areas for inclusion in Landscaping and Lighting
Assessment District
f. Future funding of household hazardous waste collection
g. Emergency Preparedness Needs for Improving Capability
h. Oak Tree Preservation and Planting Program
i. Creation of on-line computer link from Realty offices to City
property records
j. Creation of Senior Community Services Officer Position
k. Develcpment of Integrated Solid Waste Management Plan
1. Staff needs to handle new regional environmental programs,
mitigation monitoring and freeway development
m. Need for a master water and irrigation system for Hakone Gardens
n. Policy for Support of the Performing Arts
o. Performance Df Seismic Safety Analysis of the Berrocal Fault
p. Increasing tran~i~ a~i~ and public tran~o~atiun service
q. Promote creation of a Community Band and a Community Garden Club
There being no further business, the City Council adjourned to its
regular meeting at 7:23 p.m.
REGULAR MEETING - 7:30 p.m.
1. ROLL CALL
Councilmembers Anderson, Moyles, Peterson, Stutzman and Mayor Clevenger
present at 7:30 p.m.
City Council Minutes 2 April 18, 1990
2. CEREMONIAL ITEMS
A. Resolution No. 2641 commending Gay J. Crawford for service in
connection with saratoga cable television.
B. Resolution No. 2642 commending Steven Benzing for serving on
Heritage Preservation Commission.
C. commendation for participation in Mayors Golf Tournament for
Earthquake Relief.
MayOr Clevenger read and presented a proclamation from the City of
Saratoga to-Roger Clapp, Steve Moore, Dorothy Houde and Clyde Mosier
and thanked them for their participation in thelMayors Golf Tournament.
D.' Resolution No. 2643 commending Jan Harris for serving on
Planning Commission.
Mayor clevenger stated that Ms. Crawford, Mr. Benzing'and Ms. Harris
were unable to attend the meeting tonight and would be presented with
their resolutions at a later time.
MOYLES/PETERSON MOVED TO APPROVED ITEMS A, B AND D.. Passed 5-0.
3. ROUTINE MATTERS
A-~ Approval of Minutes - 4/4/90
ANDERSON/PETERSON MOVED TO APPROVE THE MIN~3TES OF APRIL 4, 1990 AS
'SUBMITTED. Passed 5-0.
B. ' ApproVal of Warrant List
PETERSON/MOYLES MOVED TO APPROVE AS SUBMITTED. Passed 5-0.
C.' Reportof City Clerk on Posting of Agenda
'Pursuant to Government Code 54954.2, the agenda for this meeting was
properly posted on April 13.
4. CONSENT CALENDAR
A. ~lann~ng Commission Actions, 4/11/90 - Noted and filed
B. Parks and Recreation commission Minutes, 3/5/90 Noted and
filed
C. Heritage Preservation commission Minutes, 3/21/90 - Noted and
~filed
D. City'council/Library Commission Joint Meeting Minutes, 4/10/90
- Noted and filed
E. Ordinance 71.74 regulating fencing on hillsides; this ordinance
would~ create an exemption from the existing 4,000 sq. ft.
fencing limitation on a neighborhood basis through a petition
· and,hearing process before the City Planning Commission (Second
'reading and adoption)
F. 'Ordinance 71.75 amending the City Code to: 'a) prohibit the
consumption of alooholio beverages by persons under the age of
~eimbursement for the costs of a second police response to a
disturbance to be paid by the property owner or person
~ ~esponsible for such disturbance to the City (Second reading
and adoption)
Authorization to advertise for bids for the 1990 Street
Maintenance Program
City council Minutes 3 April 18, 1990
H. Resolution 2644 granting final acceptance of widened portion of
Pierce Rd. and release of bond for SD-86-003 (Developer,
Bostedt)
I. Resolution 2645 in support of senate Bill 2503 (Leonard)
J. Treasurer's Report - March
K. Investment Report- March
L. Financial Report - March
M. Finance Advisory committee Minutes, 4/5/90 - Noted and filed
Councilmember Anderson pulled item 4G from the Consent Calendar.
STUTZMAN/MOYLES MOVED TO APPROVE THE CONSENT CALENDAR WITH EXCEPTION
O[ ITEM 4G. Passed 5-0.
Councilmember Anderson recalled a discussion last year regarding the
City of Campbell's strategy for selecting a contractor and suggested
that the City of Saratoga look into that possibility. She said she
believes the quality of the work is more important than the cost of the
work. Discussion ensued regarding a question from Mayor Clevenger as
to whether the City must accept a low bid if it has had a bad
experience with a contractor. She also asked if the City could wait
for two weeks to bid in order for staff to report on the financial
consequences of Councilmember Anderson's suggestion. Mr. Larry Perlin,
City Engineer, stated that the City should go out to bid early because
many cities are going out to bid at this time, and contractors are
lining up their work for the summer. Mayor Clevenger then suggested
going out to bid and requested that Mr. Perlin talk with the Director
of Public Works for the City of Campbell regarding Campbell's selection
process.
STUTZMAN/PETERSON MOVED TO APPROVE CONSENT CALENDAR ITEM 4G. Passed
5-0.
5. COMMUNICATIONS FROM COMMIS8IONS AND THE PUBLIC
A. ORAL COMMUNICATIONS
1) Ms. Ann Cook, 12305 Candy Court, Saratoga, distributed a letter
to the Council. She was representing the Saratoga Inner Wheel Club,
which is made up of spouses of Rotarians. She indicated that for the
past five years they have had their installation of officers at the
picnic area of Hakone Garden. They were informed this year that there
would be a $400 charge for use of the park even though only the picnic
area would be used. They were told if the City Council would co-
sponsor the event the fee could be waived. She requested that the
Council co-sponsor the event in the spirit that they are a service
organization and money will be raised for charity.
In response to Councilmember Moyles' question regarding the urgency
nature of the request, Ms. Cook stated that raffle tickets will be sold
as a fundraiser, and the tickets need to be printed within the next few
days in order to begin selling them.
ANDERSON/STUTZMAN MOVED TO AGENDIZE THIS ITEM FOR DISCUSSION UNDER
COUNCILMEMBERS' REPORTS. Passed 5-0.
2) Col. E. T. Barco addressed the Council regarding the recycling
program. He indicated he personally checked a number of neighborhoods
on collection day, and on any given collection day only about one in
every seven households puts out bins with bottles and/or cans. He said
few if any families generate enough recyclables to justify a weekly
pickup, and the result is that two days of every week the neighborhoods
are littered with unsightly blue and green bins. Col. Barco suggested
that pickup of recyclables be only once or twice a month in order to
save money on operational costs and to keep the City from being
cluttered with the bins.
City CounCil Minutes 4 April 18,. 1990
Col. Barco also voiced a complaint regarding the City Manager. He
reported he was told by an unnamed individual that when copies of
certain unclassified documents were requested of the City Manager he
refused.to release them citing case law. C01. Barco said he requested
to look at other documents similar to others he viewed numerous times
in the past and was refused because the City Council had not seen the
documents and the City Manager did not want to release them. He
suggested the City Council discuss the subject of secrecy in government
with.the City Attorney and the City Manager.
3) Mr.='IJeff Schwartz addressed the Council regarding the issue of
.safety'of the bike lanes on Cox Avenue during construction of Highway
85. =He said he felt the City should ask Caltrans to do a better job
on the safety issue and hoped the City would actively and aggressively
manage the issue. Mayor Clevenger pointed out that later on the agenda
the Council-would address mitigation for Highway 85 and one of those
is at Saratoga Avenue and Cox. Councilmember Anderson suggested the
.Council discuss this issue at the priorities meeting on May 5 when the
issue of hike lanes will be addressed.
B', WRITTEN COMMUNICATIONS
~ 1. Letter from Joseph Waller, 20420 Hill Ave., objecting to
~' ' improvements required to be made on Hill Ave.
'Councilmember Anderson noted that Mr. Waller was present and requested
that he address the signage on Hill Avenue. Mr. Waller said there are
'preSently eight signs on Hill Avenue, and he would like to see fewer
signs as 'it is confusing. He suggested that the one way signs be
removed.
Councilmember Anderson said'she felt that two of the one way signs are
probably not necessary to inform the public how to get onto the street,
.but since there may be confusion for visitors coming down from Montalvo
.signage should be required there.
Councilmembar Moyles agreed and stated if there is discretion he would
.like tO see the signage toned down. However, if the City Engineer
feels the signs are necessary and could not recommend fewer signs he
would'defer to Mr. Perlin's judgment.
. COunCilSember Peterson expressed his belief that this area represents
"sign pollution". He said he would not like to contradict staff but
Would like to suggest that a reasonable compromise be found which
takes.iht0consideration safety'and the residential character of the
neighborhood.
CounCilmember Stutzman stated 'he felt arrows indicating direction
· rather than=all the one way signs would be adequate. He said he would
like tosses some of the signs removed, particularly the one way signs.
Mayor Clevenger asked for and received Council consensus to direct the
City Engineer to work with Mr. Waller to try to reduce the number of
traffic signs.
Mr. Waller also addressed the issue of asphalt and, following lengthy
discussion, it was pointed out to him that the paving meets City
standards. Mayor Clevenger said she did not believe-the Council can
· resolve.this problem, and Mr. Waller should work with his contractor.
Mayor Clevenger moved the agenda to Public Hearings since. the hour of
8!07 p~m/had passed.
8. PUBLIC HEARINGS
A.'. Appeal of denial Of design review approval'to construct a 736
sq. ft. second floor addition to an existing one- story home at
- 20334 Thelma Ave. for a total of 3,481 sq. ft. in the R-1-10,000
zonedistrict (Appellant/applicant, Pool) (DR 8S-102) (continued
from 3/21 and 4/4)
City Council Minutes 5 April 18, 1990
Mr. Steve Emslie, Planning Director, presented a chronology of the
events which occurred since the applicant initially approached the City
with his request to add on to his existing residence. Staff
recommended that the City Council conditionally approve DR-88-102
subject to submission of a revised elevation showing the improved
architectural relief on the side elevation. The revised elevation
would be presented as an exhibit to the City Council's resolution
approving the project.
Mayor Clevenger opened the Public Hearing at 8:12 p.m.
Mr. Frank Nicoletti, Attorney at Law, 100 N. Winchester Blvd., Santa
Clara, represented the applicant. He stated the applicant has reviewed
the staff recommendation and report. He also commended staff for the
work done on the proposal. Mr. Nicoletti requested that the Council
adopt staff's recommendation.
Mr. Lenny Bee, 20355 Franklin Avenue, addressed the council on behalf
of himself and also represented Mr. and Mrs. Angelo Butera who reside
at 20335 Franklin Avenue. He said he and the Buteras realize that not
much can be done with the work that has been completed, and they
understand the reasons for it being in existence. He did request,
however, that if the second-story addition is permitted there not be
any invasion of privacy of the residents residing to the south. In
response to a question from Councilmember Moyles, Mr. Bee stated he did
not feel that, in all fairness to the applicant, it would be just to
have the applicant tear down what has been completed since there were
mistakes made at the outset. They are only requesting that their
privacy be maintained.
CLEVENGER/PETERSON MOVED THAT THE CITY COUNCIL CONDITIONALLY APPROVE
DR-88-102 SUBJECT TO THE SUBMISSION OF A REVISED ELEVATION SHOWING
ARCHITECTURAL RELIEF ON THE SIDE ELEVATION OF THE ADDITION. THE
REVISED ELEVATION SHOULD BE INCORPORATED AS AN EXHIBIT TO THE COUNCIL
RESOLUTION APPROVING THIS PROJECT. (Clerk's note: The motion was
voted on later in the meeting; see p. 6.)
Mayor Clevenger closed the Public Hearing at 8:17 p.m.
Councilmember Anderson said she would vote no on the project because
she objects to the way it moved through the last couple of years and
smacks of an effort to get a second story when a second story was
denied. She stated even though she is happy to see the neighbors are
no longer objecting it is a matter of principle with her. She did not
favor having applicants think they can do whatever they want and the
Council will okay it later.
Councilmember Stutzman agreed with Councilmember Anderson's comments.
He said he thought this was a good example of winning by a war of
attrition as the project was turned down repeatedly in the past and it
was made known what the Council was going to permit. He stated he
believed approving this proposal would set a bad precedent in Saratoga
and is an example of having rules that are not followed but if one
persists long enough in violating the rules one will eventually win out
by people in power giving in. Councilmember Stutzman said he is
opposed to that sort of principle, and he would vote against the
project.
Councilmember Moyles agreed with the previous Councilmembers' comments
and pointed out this is not the kind of second story that was proposed
by Dr. Levin and i~
said he was concerned about the privacy impacts discussed at the
previous meeting, and he is relieved to hear the neighbors can live
with deletion of the windows on the south side. However, the
procedural question remains. Councilmember Moyles stated that from
what staff has reported there seems to have been a deliberate effort
to evade compliance with direction previously given. He said he would
like to be able to take advantage of the opportunity to improve the
elevation as suggested by staff, but if he does that he is demoting a
more important principle to get that advantage. He indicated if there
had been events beyond the control of the applicant that compelled him
to do what he did then he might feel differently, but it seems that
City Council Minutes 6 April 18, 1990
everything that led to this point was a discretionary act on the
applicant~s part and he is not comfortable accommodating him.
Mayor Clevenger said she is comfortable accommodating the applicant
because=no one is unhappy with the plan. The situation has stretched
on, and the applicant has had a difficult time with it apparently
because he did not seem to comply with what the City asked him to do.
Staff has.come up with a good suggestion that meets the neighborst
needs and the applicant's needs and since no one objects the project
should be approved.
In response 'to a question from Councilmember Peterson regarding the
alternative if the project is turned down, Mr. Emslie said the house
Vould have t'o be built pursuant to the building permit plans received
in 1987. The structure is seven inches too high and must be reduced.
Lengthy dfscussion ensued wherein various Councilmembers restated their
comments.
Mayor called for the v~te on her motion approving the appeal. Failed
.2:3 (Anderson, Moyles, Stutzman opposed).
ANDERSON/STUTZMAN MOVED TO DENY DR-88-102. Passed 3:2 (Clevenger,
~Peterson opposed).
B. Appeal of denial'of subdivision approval to create two parcels
of 20,100 and 22,686 sq. ft. from a property at }4584 Horseshoe
Dr. on the corner of Horseshoe Dr. and Horseshoe Ct. in the
R-1-20,000 zone district. Both the existing home and the
proposed parcel will access Horseshoe Dr. (SD-89-017)
(Applicant/appellant, Pierce/waller) (continued from 3/21)
MrjEmslie presented the staff report on this item and r~commended that
the 'city Council deny the appeal. He. reported that the Planning
Commission 'noted the application was substantially the same as an
application the City Council had reviewed and rejected a year ago.
~Mayor Clevenger opened the Public Hearing at 8:37 p.m.
Mrs. Virginia Fanelli addressed the Council on behalf of the
appellants. She reviewed the history of the applicat'ion and appeal.
Mrs~ Fanelli distributed a map indicating there are no other lots in
the Horseshoe Drive tract which could be further subdivided by using
a flag lot~ She cited other flag lots in the immediate area and stated
if the Council is uncomfortable creating a flag lot, access could be
~allOwed via Horseshoe Court without setting a precedent~.
Mr. 'Patrick Carroll, 20418 Tricia Way, the future. resident of the
subject property, addressed the Council. He said in terms of changing
the character of .the area, he would treasure the wooded area. He
indicated.~that accessing the lot from Horseshoe Court would be
preferable ~but respects the concerns raised and if there is a
compromise required then having the flag lot from HorSeshoe Drive is
acceptable. Regarding the drainage concerns, Mr. Carroll felt they had
been addressed by the City Engineer as well as others.
Mr.' Bill Cl~'rk stated he wrote a letter to Mr. Pierce expressing-his
concerns. regarding the project, and those concerns have not been
answered~ ~Mr. Clark addressed the staff report which indicates the
area'does ~ot flood. He said it does flood and in order to correct the
drainage problem a storm drain system would probably have to be put in.
In order tO-build a house the trees will have to be removed and that
will, fufeher~'~mp-~ct %he drainage.pr6blem. Mm. eterk .statea he c~ula
not, conceiVe how the drainage problem will be solved and expressed
concerns regarding how his property will be impacted. In response to
.a question from Councilmember Peterson, Mr. Clark stated no one has
talked With' him about the engineering plans for mitigating drainage
~oblems or'about flooding in the area.
Mayor Clevenger closed the Public Hearing at 8:50 p.m.
Councilmember Peterson stated he would like to see the matter continued
and either the City's engineers or theapplicant's engineers meet with
Mr. Clark. He said he would like to hear again from Mr. Clark
regarding whether he thinks the drainage problem can be engineered.
City Council Minutes ? April 18, 1990
Councilmember Anderson said she would concur with Councilmember
Peterson's comments. She stated she felt the staff report has covered
the problems of flooding in view of impervious coverage and drainage.
There is an additional issue dealing with the appropriateness of zoning
and the flag lot. Councilmember Anderson indicated the applicant asked
her if she would be willing to hike the site. She indicated she would
be.willing to postpone the matter and hike the site if the poison oak
were cleared, but at this point she would be voting in a negative
manner on this application.
Councilmember Stutzman stated he felt the matter was' thoroughly
reviewed and most of the Councilmembers had hiked the site. He said
most'of the neighbors pointed out that the culvert carried the water
under the road most of the time but on the other side of the culvert
there was a deep gorge that had been created which indicates there is
considerable flow through there. If the underbrush is removed and a
house is put in, the volume of the flow will be considerably increased.
Councilmember Stutzman also indicated he did not favor the idea of
creating another flag lot as it is not compatible with Horseshoe Drive.
He said he saw no reason for changing the Council's previous opinion
on this issue.
Mayor Clevenger agreed with Councilmember Stutzman and stated it would
not make a difference to her to walk the site again.
Various Councilmembers indicated they would like to continue this
matter and walk the site.
Mayor Clevenger reopened the public hearing at 8:58 p.m. and continued
this matter to the May 16 meeting.
Mayor Clevenger declared a recess at 9:00 p.m. Upon reconvening at
9:15 p.m. the same Councilmembers and staff were present.
Mayor Clevenger returned to items preceding Public Hearings on the
Agenda.
2. Letter from Judith R. Gremer, 12388 Radoyka Drive regarding
the Levin appeal heard April 4, 1990
Mrs. Ruth Neilsen, 18921 Cyril Place, chose to address the Council at
this time rather than at item 6B. She stated she respects that the
Levins want to improve their home and that this was not an easy
decision for the City Council to make. She said she was angry after
the last meeting because she felt her rights and the rights of her
neighbors were not being considered. Mrs. Neilsen indicated that many
of the neighbors are opposed to two-story homes in the neighborhood.
She indicated she believes a solution exists which can preserve the
privacy of the neighborhood. She requested that the City Council
reconsider its decision.
Councilmember Anderson replied that once the City Council has given
permission to an applicant it cannot reconsider the decision.
Mayor Clevenger responded that the Council does not have the option to
reconsider this matter since commitments have been made based on the
granting of this request. She said she judged the second story based
on the rules the City had in effect at the time the Levins Started the
application. She felt the Levins had the right to expect, if they
designed a reasonable second story to their home, their request would
issue which now exists is that this situation has been brought to a
head in the neighborhood. Mayor Clevenger suggested that if the
neighbors believe there should not be any more two-story homes in the
neighborhood they should get together, take a poll and make their
wishes known to the Planning Commission or City Council before a
similar situation occurs.
Mrs. Judith Gremer, 12388 Radoyka Drive, stated she and the other
neighbors would like to see this situation resolved but feel that
getting the correct information on how to get the matter resolved is
very confusing.
City CouncilsMinutes S April 18, 1990
Councilmember Anderson expressed her feeling 'that if the neighbors
.amend the CC&Rs she, as a Councilmember, would respect that and would
not want to make a decision that flew in the face of community CC&Rs.
counckl~ember Moyles agreed with Councilmember Anderson that if the
neighbors amend the CC&Rs subsequent purchasers would be obliged to
accept theM. He said, however, in the absence of CC&Rs that prohibit
it'he Would not be comfortable with doing second-story additions by
poll because he does not believe property owners~.rights exist at the
~sUfferance of their neighbors. There is a balance that will be
different to each Councilmember on a case-by-case basis.
DiscussiOn ensued, wherein Mr. Toppel stated that the City Council is
~not the primary enforcement authority for CC&Rs as they are a private
contract between the various property owners within a subdivision. It
,is not'a binding commitment for the City to recognize the CC&Rs, and
ifthe-Council chooses not to enforce them, it would be the obligation
=of the prop~[.ty owners to enforce them as a private civil matter.
Mayor Cleve~ger directed that Mr. Emslie work with Mrs. Gremer and the
neighbo[s ~n order to assist them in working through the process.
3. .Letter from SASCC regarding Long Term Senior Care
Facilities in Saratoga.
'CONSENSUS~THAT THE DRAFT LETTER BE SENT.
6.! OLD BUSINESS
A. ~ Proposed Establishment of Hillside Sewer Maintenance Zone and
Fees - West Valley Sanitation District (Presentation by William
~issler, District Manager/Engineer)
Mr. Bill Gissler, Manager of the West Valley ISanitation District,
reviewed'the Preliminary Report in detail. He stated a public hearing
will be~held on April 25 by the Directors of the Sanitation District
regarding-this issue. As Mayor Clevenger will be representing the City
at that hearing, she requested this item be agendized in order to
receive 'input from the Council and the Community. Mr. Gissler
indicated -th~at the City of Monte Sereno is opposed to this issue.
DisCussion .ensued wherein Mr. Gissler responded to various
Councilmembers~ questions.
Ms.]'Raquel' Arminjo, 21053 Canyon View Drive, addressed the City
Council.f She stated that Mr. Gissler indicated this sewer charge is
not for anything that has taken place already but is in anticipation
of future problems. She said it appears that only a small fund of
money ~would be collected which would lead her to believe that
monumeht~lj problems are not anticipated. Since the. residents belong
to a .larger district, they feel it is discriminatory to a few
homeowners,to create what appears to be a mini district when the whole
purpose of~belonging to a larger district is to take care of unexpected
expenses. If the cost is spread across the board in the whole district
it would be .minimal. Ms. Arminjo requested that the Council stand by
its 1989deCision to oppose this surcharge.
Ms. Gail Wright, 21081 Canyon View Drive, 'presented a statement on
behalf of the Wildwood Heights Homeowners Association in opposition to
the sewer maintenance Zone.
bk..~ill~.Cunningham, 21070 C~n~Qn V~e~ ~r~ve~ ~r~e~~ ~iaoppositiQn
to~=~he sewer maintenance zone.
Mayor Clevenger reported she brought this issue up at a meeting of the
State Sanitation Board of Directors, and the Directors advised that
this should not be done because it would be an'administrative nightmare
to work ou~. They suggested the situation should be approached by the
use of .more~ expensive hook-up fees in areas where problems are
anticipated. Mayor Clevenger commended Mr. Gissler for the work he has
done on this proposal even though she does not agree with him on this
issue. 'She requested direction from the Council.
City Council Minutes 9 April 18, 1990
Councilmember Stutzman stated this issue is one of the best arguments
that csn be put forth for good geologic studies. He said he believes
problem areas can be identified and those individuals who knowingly
build in those areas should be ~equired to pay a higher fee and, if
necessary, to pay a continuing fee. He stated it is not fair to impose
discriminatory fee on everyone who lives on the hillsides because many
of the hillside areas are very stable and will not suffer damage.
Councilmember Stutzman pointed out that residents who live in the
flatter areas incur expenses, such as street maintenance, that those
in the hillsides do not have. He stated he did not believe that
different districts should be maintained for every different problem
that arises and would like to stand by the Council's previous decision
on this issue.
Councilmember Moyles agreed with Councilmember Stutzman's comments and
would recommend increasing the original hook-up fee and if an ongoing
surcharge is required to develop a reserve, the new homes should bear
that as well. Those who were there before the concept was developed
should be included for the same risks that they bought into originslly.
Councilmember Anderson said she did not favor the idea of segregating
one section for any reason. She stated the concept of a shared burden
is a good one and is one that people have been in favor of for a number
of years, and she does not see any reason to change it.
ANDERSON/MOYLES MOVED TO DIRECT MAYOR CLEVENGER TO SUPPORT THE CITY'S
POSITION AGAINST THE HILLSIDE SEWER MAINTENANCE ZONE. Passed 5-0.
B. Resolution granting, with modifications, Levin appeal heard
April 4.
STUTZMAN/ANDERSON MOVED TO ADOPT RESOLUTION 2646 AS SUBMITTED. Passed
4-0 (Peterson abstained).
C.. Resolution increasing appropriations for Household Hazardous
Waste Drop Off Day.
MOYLES/STUTZMAN MOVED TO ADOPT RESOLUTION 2575.16. Passed 5-0.
D. Report to council on nuisance abatement costs for Winston Chew
property at 12501 DeSanka Avenue.
Mr. Winston Chew, 12501 DeSanka Avenue, addressed the City Council and
disputed the charges. The charges were verified by Mr. Todd Argow,
Community Services Director.
Mr. Chew presented the City with a bill for the items which were
removed from his property.
MOYLES/ANDERSON MOVED TO ADOPT RESOLUTION NO. 2620.1. Passed 5-0.
E. Re-evaluation of mitigation measures for Route 85
Mr. Perlin discussed the mitigation measures for Route 85. Lengthy
discussion ensued regarding various aspects of the mitigation measures
and safety concerns.
Councilmember Moyles responded to the point raised by Mr. Schwartz
earlier in the meeting. He said he felt Mr. Schwartz' complaint was
an important one and cited a safety video for children shown by the
T~a~ic ~uthority_. at various sc~ooTs~ ~e s~a~e~ input ~as been
· requested from the community regarding the safety issue.
Mr. Perlin requested input from the City Council on how to deal with
the pedestrian crossing controls on the Saratoga Avenue interchange
when that project is under construction. He said the alternatives
recommended by the engineers on the project ranged from striping
crosswalks in the road to providing'temporary signals on Saratoga
Avenue. Councilmember Moyles said he is in favor of temporary
pedestrian signals as close to the site as possible or would suggest
an allowance for crossing guards.
City Council'Minutes 10 April 18, 1990
CONSENSUS TO'AGREE WITH STAFF REPORT BUT STAFF IS DIRECTED TO MAKE SURE
THE ISSUE OF PARKING IS ADDRESSED ON SARATOGA AVENUE.
F. 'Finance Advisory Committee report on financing for acquisition of Nelson Garden.
· Mayor Clevenger stated the priorities list has been established for
the ~riorit'ies session on May 5 and a decision was made to discuss
'NelsOn Garden in the context of open space review and the discussion
of parks. and acquisition of open space on July 10.
Mr. Donald]McCrea addressed the City Council as a representative of the
Friends of Nelson Garden. He said his organization was not satisfied
with the report and did not feel it addressed what the Committee was
asked ~o do. .Mr. McCrea requested that his organization be given an
opportdnity to participate in the discussion regarding Nelson Garden
as they.may be able to provide additional information.
Mayor ~levenger suggested that Mr. McCrea observe the July 10 meeting
and make suggestions regarding funding after hearing the input at that
time~- She~said the issue was put off until July 10 in order to meet
With'Parks and Recreation and the Finance Advisory committee. It was
not felt the matter could be thoroughly addressed at the present time.
Ms.~AnnWalt'onsmith, 21060 Saratoga Hills Road, stated she was unhappy
wi'th.the report and requested it be sent back to the Finance Committee
~in order to come up with options in the event the City decides to buy
the park.
C0uncil~ember Stutzman' concurred with Ms. Waltonsmith~s comments. He
said he was very disappointed in the Advisory Committee~s report and
felt the report said nothing. He requested that the report be sent
back to the Finance Committee and for further input and that the
Committee address the possibility of long-term bonds and various ways
of financing if the City wishes to acquire the park.
Councilmember Moyles pointed out that when the refe~rai was made he
criticized it as lacking any focus or specificity..He said he did not
feel the Council told the Committee what it was to do, the Committee
responded the best it could and the response is consistent with the
referral. He also stated that another good reason for holding this
matter until July is that if there is a consensus to buy Nelson Garden
it.will leave a big hole in the capital budget and the new Council
should be responsible for that. He said he would lik~ to see the issue
discussed thoroughly throughout the election so he can explain the
basis for his opposition to spending any money on acquiring this park.
Councilmember Anderson stated she felt the Council was premature as it
is still awaiting an appraisal. She said it would be difficult.to
discuss financing alternates since the cost of the parcel is unknown.
She was i~ favor of discussing this matter in July.
ICLEVENGER/MOYLES MOVED THAT THE REPORT BE NOTED AND FILED UNTIL AFTER
~THE~JULY 10 ~MEETING. Passed 4-1 (Stutzman opposed).
· . G. DiscUssion of filllng Heritage Preservation commission vacancy.
MOYLES/PETERSON MOVED TO APPOINT MR. SABIN TO THE COMMISSION,
COMMUNICATETHE REASONS FOR THE APPOINTMENT TO MRS. GIVENS AND ASK THAT
SHE ALLOW THE CITY TO KEEP HER APPLICATION ON FILE~ paSsed~.5-0.
H. Resolution' 2622.1 amending previously-adopted resolution
granting variance on velinsky appeal.
D~scu~sion ensued wherein Mr. Toppel answered guestions'regarding the
resolution.
PET[RSON/~NDERSON MOVED TO ADOPT RESOLUTION NO. 2622.1. Passed
.5-0..
~. NEW BUSINESS
A.'. Approval of Emergency Plan for the City of Saratoga
City Council Minutes 11 April 18, 1990
Community Services Officer Paula Reeve presented a report on the
proposed emergency plan.
Mr. Gene O'Rourke, Chairman of the Public Safety Commission, stated
the Public Safety Commission reviewed the document and finds it to be
a great improvement over the existing plan.
ANDERSON/PETERSON MOVED TO ADOPT THE EMERGENCY PLAN AS PROPOSED.
Passed 5-0.
B. Review of Finance Advisory Committee recommendation to increase
Council Expense Allowance.
Councilmember Anderson said she has discovered there are ways in which
councils in other cities are compensated and suggested a more detailed
study on this issue. She requested continuing the item in order for
further study to take place.
Lengthy discussion ensued regarding Councilmembers' expenses.
Mayor Clevenger requested that Councilmember Anderson obtain additional
information and report back to the Council on May 16.
C. Surplus Property Declaration
PETERSON/ANDERSON MOVED TO APPROVE. Passed 5-0.
D. Publicity for Upcoming Hearings - Sung/Harbor Builders Appeal;
Guilardi Appeal
CLEVENGER/MOYLES MOVED TO APPROVE PUBLICITY AS RECOMMENDED. Passed 5-
0.
9. CITY COUNCIL ITEMS
The Council discussed co-sponsoring the Rotary Club event discussed
previously in the meeting. Mr. Peacock expressed concern regarding
liability and the precedent which would be set if the Council were to
co-sponsor this event.
Staff was directed to return to the Council with a policy for use of
City facilities for fundraising events.
PETERSON/ANDERSON MOVED TO WAIVE THE FEES TO THE INNER WHEEL
ORGANIZATION TO USE THE PICNIC AREA AT HAKONE GARDEN WITH THE PROVISION
THAT THE ORGANIZATION COVER COSTS OF CIT~ STAFF TIME INCURRED AS A
RESULT OF USE OF THE FACILITY. Passed 4-1 (Stutzman opposed).
A. Reports from Individual Councilmembers
Clevenger - asked for Councilmembers' opinions regarding sponsoring of
various events.
ANDERSON/STUTZMAN MOVED TO APPROVE THAT THE CITY SPONSOR WATER
AWARENESS MONTH. Passed 5-0.
Mayor Clevenger stated that a joint powers meeting will be held
regarding the Giants. She said there is controversy regarding who will
be Chair and Vice chair and she would attend the meeting and vote in
Anderson - said she felt the council should discuss what will be done
when construction trucks ignore rules about staying on major streets
and travel through residential neighborhoods. Mr. Peacock said he
intends to have the Sheriff's Department cite the individuals involved
and will report back to the Council in two weeks.
Councilmember Anderson reported that the TV Unit met and the
representative from the college felt strongly about liability on the
part of the Board and felt it was wrong to have five-minute candidate
spots allowed by the TV Board, the City or the College in connection
City Council Minutes 12 April 18, 1990
with the City CoUncil election. An emergency meeting will be held to
deal with the concerns.
Mr. Peacock responded to the comments made earlier in the meeting by
Col. Barco. He said the first instance cited by Col. Barco related to
a request of someone in the community to have a list of nomination
papers filed by candidates for City Council. He stated he discussed
the matter with the City Attorney and it was determined that those
documents Were part of the public record and were released. He
reported the second instance occurred when Col. Barco requested copies
of the applications filed for the Planning Commission vacancy. He said
he determined, and it was verified by the City 'Attorney, that the
applications were personnel records and not part of the public record.
Mr.~Peacock indicated that in both cases cited by Col. Barco he neither
pretended to be the City Attorney nor did he fail to consult with the
City Attorne~ before directing whether particular items could be
released to. the public.
10. ADJOURNMENT
Ma~o~ Clevenger adjourned the meeting at 11:46 p.m.
Respe&tfully'submitted,
Rebecca
Minutes Clerk