HomeMy WebLinkAbout09-01-1991 City Council Minutes MINUTES
SARATOGA CITY COUNCIL
TIME: Wednesday, September 4, 1991
PLACE: Civic Theater, 13777 Fruitvale Ave.
TYPE: Regular Meeting
Closed Session - City Manager Evaluation - 6:30 p.m.
Council Office
Regular Meeting - 7:30 p.m.
1. ROLL CALL
Councilmembers present: Anderson, Clevenger, Monia, Stutzman, Mayor
Kohler.
Staff Present: City Manager Peacock, City Attorney Riback, City
Engineer Perlin, Planning Director Emslie.
The meeting was called to order at 7:38 p.m.
2. CEREMONIAL ITEMS - None
3. ROUTINE MATTERS
A. Approval of Minutes - 8/6; 8/7; 8/14; 8/27
Councilmember Monia stated what was transcribed in the minutes of the
August 6th meeting was not properly transcribed, he requested verbatim
transcription of this particular meeting.
MONIA/STUTZMAN MOVED TO REQUEST A VERBATIM TRANSCRIPT OF AUGUST 6TH
MEETING. PASSED 5-0.
Councilmember Anderson corrected the minutes of August 7th as follows:
Page 8, requested that the verbatim portion, which was in response from
the City Attorney, be reflected in the minutes.
Councilmember Clevenger corrected the minutes of August 7th as follows:
Page 3, Dora Grens commented, not Charles Grens.
Mayor Kohler requested that his suggestion on page 3, written
communications, be revised to be clarified as to what was actually
stated.
CLEVENGER/ANDERSON MOVED TO APPROVE THE MINUTES OF THE MEETING OF
AUGUST 7, AS AMENDED. PASSED 5-0
CLEVENGER/AMDERSON MOVED TO APPROVE THE MINUTES OF THE MEETING OF
AUGUST 14, AS SUBMITTED. PASSED 5-0
Councilmember Anderson noted she had received a phone call from a
member of the Board of Directors of the Saratoga School District,
expressing concern regarding communication between the City and School,
stating it is not adequate. However, a member of her school staff had
been on the conunittee.
ANDERSON/STUTZMANMOVED TO APPROVE THE MINUTES OF THE MEETING OF AUGUST
27, AS SUBMITTED. PASSED 5-0
B. Approval of Warrant List
MONIA/STUTZMAN MOVED APPROVAL OF THE~ARRANT LIST. PASSED 5-0
C. Report of City Clerk ~n P0~ting Of Agenda
Pursuant to Government Code 54954.2, the agenda for this meeting was
properly posted on August 30.
City Councll Minutes 2 September 4, 1991
4. CONSENT CALENDAR
Councilmember Monia requested Item E be removed from the Consent
Calendar. Mayor Kohler. stated a member of the audience requested the
removal of item D.
A. Planning Commission Actions, 8/14~ 8/28 - Noted and filed.
B. Public Safety Commission Minutes, 8/12 - Noted and filed.
C. Notice of Completion for resurfacing of West Valley College
Tennis Courts
D. Ordinance HP-19 designating a portion of Saratoga Avenue
from Fruitvale Avenue to 14301 Saratoga Avenue as a
Heritage Lane (second reading and adoption)
E. Makone Foundation Fund Raising - 6/25-8/5/91
F. Resolution 91-62 on Harbor Builders appeal heard 8/7
G. Resolution 91-63 on De La Cruz appeal heard 8/7
H. Resolution 91-53.1 appointing Kohler as representative to
City Selection Committee
I. City Financial Reports for July:
1) Treasurer's Report
2) Investment Report
3) Financial Report
CLEVENGER/ANDERSON MOVED APPROVAL OF THE CONSENT CALENDAR WITH THE
EXCEPTION OF ITEMS D AND E. PASSED 5-0
Regarding item D, Mr. Fine thanked the Council for the designation of
the Heritage Lane. He stated he has been working with the Planning
Commission with regards to signs on the Heritage Lane. He would like
to see a hiking trail along Saratoga Ave. He noted a stop sign is
requested at Herriman and Saratoga rather than a stop light.
Regarding item E, Councilmember Monia requested a complete breakout of
financial matters at the next meeting.
MONIA/ANDERSON MOVED APPROVAL OF ITEMS D AND E OF THE CONSENT CALENDAR.
PASSED 5-0
CONSENT CALENDAR II - Claims
A. claim of Roby concerning fall in Nakone Garden
MONIA/ANDERSON MOVED DENIAL OF CLAIM. PASSED 5-0.
B. Claim of Hunter concerning incident on Mt. Eden Rd.
MONIA/CLEVENGER MOVED TO ACCEPT CLAIM. PASSED 5-0.
5. COMMUNICATIONS FROM COMMISSIONS AND THE PUBLIC
A. ORAL COMMUNICATIONS
MS. Karin Dowdy, Brook Lane, expressed her concern regarding the
Councilmembers' comments at the last regular meeting. Ms. Dowdy
provided a copy of verbatim transcripts of her comments from the last
meeting. She felt three councilmembers owed her a public apology.
Mayor'Kohler stated he had no recollection of requesting that Ms. Dowdy
be supervised when reviewing tapes. The Mayor asked which staff member
had so advised. Mrs. Dowdy declined to state.
Ms. Dowdy requested her concerns be agendized for the appropriate
action.
City Council Minutes 3 September 4, 1991
Mr. John Di Manto, 1210 Coleman Ave., regarding the Housing Ordinance,
requested that all property owners be informed about this process. It
should be noticed in the Saratoga News and the San Jose Mercury News.
He feels it is important to reach the mass of residents in the City.
Ms. Madeline Chiavetta, 19548 Chardonnay Ct., representing Redwood
Middle School, requested that the City Council reconsider and make a
decision on the bike path on the east side of Fruitvale Ave., from Wild
Cat Creek to Saratoga Ave at the September 18th meeting. She also
would like removed, project 9105, Capital Improvement Plan, from
1993/94 fiscal year to 1992/93.
Mr. Jeff Schwartz, San Marcos Rd., expressed concern about the
Investigating Committee not receiving the same information as the
Council receives. He stated he wrote a letter protesting this and
still, at this hearing, had not- received all the information the
Council received.
B. WRITTEN COMMUNICATIONS
1) William M. Putsell III, 19306 Vineyard Lane,
requesting additional cable. television franchises
because of poor.service from South Bay Cable vision
Mr. Bill Pursell noted he has written a letter to the Council
requesting the consideration for the opening of a franchise for cable
television to more than one company in the City. He stated the service
from South Bay Cable is not adequate. He feels competition would
enhance the service. He requested monitoring on South Bay Cable.
City Manager Peacock stated the franchise with South Bay Cable is to
be renewed within a year. He noted a committee is being formed to
select a consultant to review the request for renewal by South Bay
Cable. Mr. Peacock explained the process of renewal to Mr. Putsell.
Councilmember Monia informed Mr. Pursell that the Foundation Board
meets once a month and he is welcome to participate.
2) Dr. Edward Levin, 13481 Pierce Road, requesting
completion of improvements associated with SDSS-006
(Saviano)
City Manager Peacock stated the City Engineer suggested that staff be
directed to complete the improvements. The cost will be approximately
$6500 and this can be handled within the budget.
In response to Mayor Kohler's question, City Engineer Perlin stated the
retaining wall is along Dr. Levin's property line, but in the City
right-of-way. Mr. Perlin stated only one person has opposed the
retaining wall.
Mayor Kohler felt there was a lot of opposition to this wall. Mr.
Perlin stated the purpose of the wall is for falling debris on to the
road. He noted he would like to see the water pipes relocated from Dr.
Levin's property, if not removed they should be protected.
Councilmember Stutzman stated there was misrepresentation to who was
in favor of the wall and who wasn't.
ANDERSON/STUTZMAN MOVED TO APPROVE CONSTRUCTION OF THE WALL.
PASSED 5-0.
3) Ray Froess, 20225 Ljepava, regarding blowing of
garden debris
CLEVENGER/ANDERSON MOVED TO ACCEPT STAFF RECOMMENDATION TO INFORM MR.
FROESS THAT THE PROPOSED REGULATION WOULD BE IMPRAACTICAL TO ENFORCE.
PASSED 5-0.
4) Request from Southeast Mission Geriatric Services in
San Francisco for waiver of fees for use of Hakone
Garden Lower House
City Council Minutes 4 September 4, 1991
MONIA/ANDERSON MOVED TO ACCEPT STAFF RECOMMENDATION NOT TO WAIVE FEE8
IN ACCORDANCE WITHCOUNCIL POLICY. PASSED 5-0.
5) Farzaneh Memari, 513 Kiely Blvd. #4, San Jose 95117,
requesting refund for reservation cancellation.
City Manager Peacock stated it is the City~s policy not to return
refunds within 90 days of the event. Me noted, if in the event the
particular time slot is rented by someone else the deposit is returned.
Councilmember Anderson stated she agrees with Mr. Peacock's decision
to return the deposit if rented again.
ANDERSON/MONIA MOVED TO ACCEPT STAFF RECOMMENDATION NOT TO RETURN THE
DEPOSIT UNLESS THE ROOM IS RENTED AGAIN. PASSED 5-0
6. OLD BUSINESS
A. Discussion of letter signed by Jeffrey A. Schwartz, Jeffrey
C. Kalb, Donald D. Macrae, and Janet Harris of the Citizens
Committee to investigate Tract 7770
1) Report from Finance Director on Distributions from
Quarry Creek Trust Account.
City Manager Peacock stated the memo submitted to the Councilmembers
indicates the receipts and disbursements from the trust fund. It also
provides a breakdown for each and every deposit and expenditure. Me
noted the additional $3000 was used for continuing consulting work on
the restoration plan and legal work with the Corps of Engineers.
Mr. Jeff Schwartz noted the letter submitted to the Council was not
signed by Peter Smith. He noted the letter had involvement from the
Ad Hoc Committee. Mr. Schwartz reiterated the comments in his letter.
He noted there was a series of agreements which involved the City, 15
homeowners and the developer. According to the agreement a trust fund
would be set up by the City with contributions from the City,
homeowners and the developer to pay for any repair work. Mr. Schwartz
went on to talk about the costs to each of the above. He also
explained the cost of the repair work. He feels there are certain
problems with the agreements as follows: 1) Staff proceeded with
agreements without Council approval. There was money paid into the
account prior to Council approval; 2) Memo to Council fails to
mention extraordinary concessions with regards to Borrow Hill. Me
noted some of the homeowners were shocked to find out the developer
would not actually give a cash contribution. Mr. Schwartz commented
on the dirt removed from Borrow Hill. Some homeowners felt they were
pressured into signing the agreement.
In response to Councilmember Clevenger's question, Mr. Emslie stated
the dirt taken from Borrow Hill was done so under an approved grading
plan. He noted he has not seen any before graded plans or a projection
for the precise number of lots.
Councilmember Monia did not feel there was an approved grading plan.
Councilmember Clevenger stated she would like to know if there was.
Councilmember Clevenger gave some background information with regards
to Vaquero court and Quarry Road. She stated a law suit was filed by
homeowners because of uncertain access onto Vaquero Court. She noted
vaquero court was an accepted street by the City, but Quarry Road was
not. Councilmember Clevenger explained how Harbor Builders became
involved in this as they paid a sum of money into the Trust Fund that
was set up to repave Quarry Road. She suggested talks with Harbor
Builders and the former City Attorney should explain how the trust fund
was handled. She. also feels two members of the City Council and the
present City Attorney should be present.
Mayor Kohler stated the issue is the accounting of the money.
Councilmember Anderson suggested having the City Auditor present at the
talks.
City Council Minutes 5 September 4, 1991
Mr. Jeff Kalb spoke in support of Councilmember Clevenger's
suggestions. He stated part of the problem is the process.
Councilmember Anderson stated the process and accounting should be
reviewed.
Councilmember Monia stated he agrees with the suggestion of an audit
and it should be focused on the financial distribution of the funds.
He expressed concern regarding documentation which has not been turned
over by the former City Attorney. He suggested writing an official
letter requesting any and all City documents be sent to City Attorney
Riback.
Councilmembe~ Monia_questioned the bid process. In this particular case
does the formation of a trust fund require a bid process because of the
amount of money involved?
Councilmember Stutzman expressed concern regarding the contribution
from the developers and how this is dispensed. Also what type of
documentation the developer has for deciding how much their work is
worth.
Mayor Kohler stated the Committee, as suggested by Councilmember
Clevenger, will find out the information as requested by Councilmember
Stutzman.
Mayor Kohler appointed Councilmembers Clevenger and Monia and the City
Attorney to serve on the Committee. Also to request the help of the
City Auditor if necessary.
2) Report from City Attorney on Appropriateness of
Referral of Tract 7?70 Committee Report to Grand Jury
Councilmember Clevenger suggested accepting staff's recommendation for
the City Attorney to write a letter to the Grand Jury foreman.
Mayor Kohler felt the recommendation is not aggressive enough and
should be stronger.
Councilmember Anderson concurred with Mayor Kohler noting the main
concern is that the city was not able to subpoena either documents or
witnesses.
MONIA/STUTZMAN MOVE TO REQUEST THE GRAND JURY TO LOOK INTO THE REPORT
· FROM TRACT 7770 COMMITTEE. PASSED 5-0.
Mr. Kalb stated the reasons for the Grand Jury are as follows:
1. Could only interview half of the people involved
2. Certain documents were not available
3. Some people would not come forward
4. Got truth, but not whole truth
5. People could not be sworn in, no legal basis
6. 2 Versions, staff response and Committee report.
Councilmember Monia stated the points above should be included in the
motion. Councilmember Stutzman agreed.
Mr. Heber Teerlink, Attorney, stated he supports the grand jury
investigation and will cooperate in any way he can.
At 9:40 p.m. Mayor Kohler proceeded to the public hearings.
8. PUBLIC HEARINGS:
A. Ordinance revising regulations on placement of realtors'
open house signs (first reading and introduction)
Planning Director Emslie presented the staff report to the Council.
He stated staff was requested to revise the Ordinance because of
inconsistencies regarding the removal of signs. The Planning
Commission has prepared a draft ordinance which Planning Director
City Council Minutes 6 september 4, 1991
Emslie reviewed. He noted a few corrections. The Ordinance stated no
more than two open house signs, the Planning Commission are
recommending there be no reference to limitation of signs at
intersections, but rather limit signs to different orientations. Mr.
Emslie stated the generic sign would consist of a 1 s.f. sign mounted
on a s~ake with "open house" on it. Mr. Emslie went on to explain
signs placed in the public right-of-way in order to allow this, staff
are recommending an encroachment permit which would take care of any
liability to the city in case of accidents. He noted the encroachment
fee is $100. The Planning Commission recommended the signs be removed
at sundown, but the City Attorney expressed concern regarding the term
"sundown" and staff suggested a seasonal arrangement to coincide with
daylight savings time. He noted the Board of Realtors had been
involved in this process.
Mayor Kohler stated he received a phone call from Mr. Morley and was
surprised at the number of small -realtors in the City and expressed
concern regarding the encroachment fee.
Mr. Emslie stated the fee is $100 per year, per office. He noted a
sliding scale was suggested, for a smaller office the fee could be
reduced. In response to Councilmember Anderson's question, Mr. Emslie
stated the encroachment fee is to protect the City..
City Manager Peacock stated the encroachment fee was brought up because
of a particular situation, a person was in an accident caused by a real
estate sign and then sued the City for allowing the sign. The
encroachment fee will stop this from happening.
Councilmembers Clevenger and Anderson both stated they spoke to Mr.
Morley prior to this meeting.
The public hearing was opened at 9:53 p.m.
Mr. Eric Morley, Board of Realtors, stated the encroachment permit did
cause concerns for some realtors, but the encroachment is to address
the safety and the lability concerns of the City and to acquire cost
recovery for services rendered. He noted the Board has two concerns
with the encroachment fee: 1) Size of office. Some offices have less
than five realtors; 2) Amount annually from each realtor is excessive.
He spoke in favor of a sliding scale based on the number of agents per
office and limit it to $50 for the largest office.
Councilmember Anderson commented on the annual take. Mr. Emslie stated
he does not anticipate full participation with this ordinance.
Mr. Peacock stated the fee is not the issue, but rather lability. He
suggested a sliding scale such as $25 for an office with 5 or less
agents, $50 for 6-10 agents, $75 for 10-20 agents and $100 for over 20
agents.
Mr. Morley stated the realtors are willing to pay the encroachment fee,
but feels $100 is too much for.a small office. In response to Mayor
Kohler's question Mr. Morley stated he is comfortable with the seasonal
approach staff suggested in setting times for signs to be removed.
Councilmember Anderson spoke in support of the seasonal approach. She
suggested the money for the encroachment fees could be used to enter
the permits into a computer system.
Mr. Miles Rankin expressed concern regarding realtors from San Jose
coming into Saratoga. He stated enforcement of the sign ordinance is
necessary. He stated he is involved in the village Plan and this
should be implemented.
Councilmember Clevenger suggested that Mr. Rankin go along with the
Code Enforcement Officer and point out the violations.
In response to Councilmember Anderson's question, Planning Director
Emslie stated the Ordinance will require identification on the signs
as to who they belong to.
Mr. Bill Murphy, 12150 Sara Glen Dr., spoke in favor of the enforcement
City Council Minutes 7 September 4, 1991
of the sign ordinance. He feels it should be enforced for all signs
in the City and needs to be enforced on the weekends. He spoke in
favor of the generic signs as well as lower encroachment fees.
Mayor Kohler closed the public hearing at 10:10 p.m.
Councilmember Clevenger stated the Ordinance should apply to all signs.
CLEVENGER/MONIA MOVED TO INTRODUCE THE ORDINANCE WITH THE MODIFICATIONS
AS STATED BY STAFF AND COUNCILMEMBER ANDERSON. PASSED 5-0
In response to Councilmember Anderson's concern Mr. Riback stated other
cities have sign permits and the issue for the fee encroachment is more
of a liability issue.
Councilmember Monia expressed concern regarding the fee structure. He
feels the city should be sensitive regarding fees required, although
he does feel the liability is the key issue in this case.
Councilmember Anderson requested that there be an accounting of the
encroachment fee and the costs attached to it. Also the excess funds
go into entering the permits onto a computer system for the use of the
real estate licensees within the City. She requested this be added to
the motion.
CLEVENGER/MONIA MOVED TO ADOPT A NEGATIVE DECLARATION. PASSED 5-0
B. Ordinance pertaining to completion of improvements prior
to final map approval (first reading and introduction)
City Manager Peacock stated this is a draft ordinance which amends
several sections of the sub-division regulations of the City. It
relates to the completion of improvements prior to final sub-division
map approval. He noted the City Attorney drafted the Ordinance and the
relevant changes have been underlined as stated in the staff report.
The revised Ordinance would remove the current language which allows
for a regular or deferred improvement agreements. He explained the
intent of the Ordinance is for the City Engineer to make determinations
on a case by case basis.
Councilmember Anderson noted the intent was to remove this decision
from the Consent Calendar. She felt it should be handled as a policy
matter. She felt it is a noticing issue and consent matters are not
noticed to the extent they should be.
Councilmember Clevenger requested a staff report. She stated it is
important that the Council approve the tentative maps for subdivisions.
Councilmember Anderson commented on a final map approval which did not
have all the conditions met then came up on the consent calendar. The
public missed the notice.
In response to Mayor Kohler~s question regarding what tools the City
Engineer will use to investigate, Mr. Perlin stated it depends on the
particular subdivision and what issues of concern are raised. He
stated the intent is to identify critical issues and they may seek
outside help if necessary. He also noted geotechnical clearance is not
limited to. hillside lots, he noted the language will be changed to
reflect this.
The term "geotechnical clearance" was discussed. Mr. Perlin stated
this is a staff determination. Mayor Kohler requested this term be
defined in the Ordinance.
In response to Mayor Kohler's question Mr. Riback noted the Advisory
Agency is the Planning Commission. This should also be defined in the
Ordinance.
Mr. Perlin stated the recommendations which would be forwarded to the
Planning Commission would include recommendations on which improvements
staff feels should be completed prior to final map approval.
In response to Councilmember Monia's question, Mr. Perlin stated the
City Council Minutes 8 September 4. 1991
City Council or Planning Commission can determine if a condition should
be enforced prior to final map approval. Mr. Perlin noted it is
staff's practice that every condition proposed for a Map, in the
condition it should specify when conditions should be met. He noted
there are several reasons why all conditions are not met prior to final
map, ofie is for financial reasons, another being staff may not want all
conditions met prior to final map approval, e.g. design or landscape.
Mayor Kohler opened the public hearing at 10:40 p.m.
Mr. John Di Manto stated there needs to be guidelines that identify the
issues which would be set aside from the major portion of the
development. There is a need to separate off-site from on-site. He
also suggested a "set a side letter" guaranteeing funds for the off-
site portion. He suggested a two hour time period for a working
session to work on this Ordinance. Mr. Di Manto stated he has not had
adequate time to review this document.
Councilmember Monia requested that Mr. Di Manto expand on the financing
issue at his next presentation.
Councilmember Anderson spoke in favor of the meeting requested by Mr.
Di Manto.
Mr. Peacock suggested the Council continue this hearing to the meeting
of September 18th to have the staff revise the Ordinance as directed
by the Council.
There was a consensus to continue this hearing to September 18, 1991.
City Attorney Riback informed the Council he would be absent on
September 18, 1991.
6. B. Award of Contract for Civic Center Improvements:
Capital Project 956
City Manager Peacock presented the staff report. He noted the City
Engineer and the Architect have examined the details of the bid
submittal. Swenson and Associates were declared the lowest responsible
bidder. He noted the bid is under the budget.
City Engineer Perlin stated Swenson and Associates did provide a
breakdown of their bid and compared with cost estimate, the bidder's
figures are compatible. After checking references the developer
received high marks. The three alternates staff is recommending be
awarded with the base bid are alternates 2, 3 and 6. Alternates 2 and
3 include the site parking lot on the east and north side of the
building. Alternate 6 involves additional dry wall on the Community
Center. He stated the contractor is anxious to get started.
Mr. Peacock stated the cost of a skateboard facility has been
subtracted out as part of this bid.
In response to Councilmember Monia's question regarding lateness, Mr.
Perlin stated the penalty is $500 a day. Withholding of the final
payment is 10% upon full acceptance. Bonding is at 100% of the project
both for performance as well as'labor and materials. The bonding
includes attorney fees, as well as any extras added into the project.
He noted the contractor has been in business for at least 10 years.
In response to Mayor Kohler's question regarding the change order, Mr.
Perlin stated as part of the award, staff is requesting that council
authorize staff to execute change orders up to $75,000. Mayor Kohler
stated change orders should be reported to the Council.
Councilmember Monia suggested a report back when change orders take
place and the amount.
MONIA/ANDERSON MOVED TO APPROVE STAFF'S RECOMMENDATION AWARDING THE BID
TO SWENSON & ASSOCIATES OF CAMPBELL FOR THE TOTAL AMOUNT OF $1,364~560.
PASSED 5-0
C. Amendment to Open Space Contract with Willdan and
City Council Minutes 9 September 4, 1991
Associates
City Manager Peacock stated this is a recommendation from the Planning
Director to amend the contract with Willdan and Associates.
CLEVENGER/STUTZMAN MOVED TO APPROVE THE CONTRACT AMENDMENT FOR AM
ADDITIONAL $3025. PASSED 5-0.
Mayor Kohler expressed concern regarding the cost overrun.
Planning Director Emslie stated the overrun is a direct result of a
request made by the task force who went beyond the scope of work
described in the contract.
D. Trust Agreement for deposit of funds - Saratoga Community
Access Television Foundation
City Manager Peacock stated the Foundation is requesting the City be
a depository for their idle funds.
CLEVENGER/MONIA MOVED TO APPROVE THE TRUST AGREEMENT DIRECTING THE
MAYOR TO EXECUTE IT ON BEHALF OF THE CITY. PASSED 5-0
E. Metropolitan Transportation Commission Resolution 2303 -
Granting Project Approval of Route 85 between 1-280 and US
101 at Bernal
Discussion was held on the air quality goals.
Councilmember Anderson suggested writing a letter to Judge Henderson
to review the standards under which the decision was made.
Mayor Kohler authorized Councilmembers Clevenger and Anderson to work
with City Manager Peacock to write a letter to Judge Henderson.
F. Policy statement on Creekslde Trails for Open Space and
Circulation Elements (Burlingham oral communication from
8/7)
City Manager Peacock stated the Council had received a report from the
Planning Director of proposed wording to be sent to the Planning
Commission. He noted a letter from Mr. Brooks discussing the proposed
language and also expressing concerns.
Mr. Bob Cross, Attorney, stated the staff memo adequately addresses the
concerns of the residents.
Mr. Brooks stated he did review staff's memo and does not support the
proposed policy. He requested the Council read the letter he
submitted. Mr. Brooks reiterated the comments in his letter and
requested the policy be amended to allow the City to retain the
flexibility to analyze each decision and to consider both private and
public interests. Mr. Brooks stated the streams need to be utilized
to connect the trail system with Stevens Creek County Park. He felt
the requirement of streams should be as important as open space. He
urged the Council not to adopt the Policy Statement.
Councilmember Clevenger asked Mr. Brooks how he would resolve the
problem of the property owners trying to sell their property along the
creekside with the knowledge that someday the City might develop the
creeks into a trail system?
Mr. Brooks stated the 2nd sentence of the policy should be deleted.
He stated the specific problems of Wildcat and Saratoga Creek have been
addressed in the first sentence. He stated the City should retain
flexibility rather than not consider it at all.
Councilmember Monia asked Mr. Brooks if he is in concurrence with
Council with regards to Saratoga and Wildcat Creek given the fact that
the easements are not pedestrian or equestrian trails.
City council Minutes 10 September 4, 1991
Mr. Brooks stated he agrees with Council that it is impractical and
impossible to acquire trail easement throughout Saratoga and Wildcat
Creeks, but to put a blanket clause, as proposed, eliminates the
possibility of trails on parts of the Creeks where it could be
possible.
Mr. Robert Cross, 13132 Via Madronas Dr., stated at the July 17, 1991
Council meeting there were many residents, who reside adjacent to the
creek, opposed to trails. Their properties were developed as a
consequence of a plan then acceptable to the City Council and Planning
Commission at that time. Some of the properties are within 20 ft. of
the Creek bank, which is in a flood zone. A trail would have to placed
above the flood line. He stated the residents felt their vested rights
would be violated if a trail system was developed. Mr. cross suggested
including "Residential Properties" within the staff recommendation to
address those' residential properties that are within the creekside
areas. He stated the creeks were primarily dedicated for water
conservation.
Mr. Preston Burlingham, 14173 Squirrel Hollow Lane, stated he is in
favor of trails, but not going through the middle of his backyard. He
feels the aesthetic value of the property would be lost if trails are
allowed.
Mr. Eric Morley stated he concurred with Councilmember Clevenger, both
home buyers and sellers in the Creekside areas have been held in
abeyance as to the outcome of this and the perceived loss of property
value. He stated the residents need the assurance that there will be
no developments in these areas.
Councilmember Anderson agreed that the 2nd sentence of the policy
statement should be deleted. She suggested including boundaries on the
creeks so as not to include hillsides. Councilmember Monia concurred.
Councilmember Stutzman stated that there are some areas of Wildcat
Creek that should not be excluded. There is a long segment which
people use which does not impact the property owners. He stated the
trials are not intended to encroach on property owners.
MONIA/ANDERSON MOVED TO CONTINUE WITH DIRECTION TO STAFF TO PROVIDE
MAPS OUTLINING THE TRAILS. PASSED 5-0.
City Manager Peacock suggested developing a policy statement which
indicates that the City has no intention of developing trails along
portions of the creeks which are not designated as trail systems.
The Councilmembers agreed.
Report from Planning Commission on appeal of denial of
design review approval at 14801 Andrew Ct.
(Appellant/applicant, West)(DR91-013) (referred to
Commission on July 17)
CLEVENGER/ANDERSON MOVED TO GRANT THE PLANNING COMMISSION THE
ADDITIONAL TIME THEY REQUESTED ON THE WEST APPEAL. PASSED 5-0
H. Report from Parks and Recreation Commission on complaints
from Therese Osborne on Gardiner Park
CLEVENGER/ANDERSON MOVED TO APPROVE STAFF RECOMMENDATION. PASSED 5-
0
?. NEW BUSINESS
A. Authorization for Mayor to sign Subordination Agreement
for 1989 CDBG Loan
CLEVENGER/STUTZMAN MOVED TO AUTHORIZE THE MAYOR TO SIGN SUBORDINATION
AGREEMENT POR 1989 CDBG LOAN. PASSED 5-0
City Council Minutes 11 September 4, 1991
B. Resolution amending Conflict of Interest code to include
all management staff members who oversee contractors
ANDERSON/MONIA MOVED APPROVAL OF RESOLUTION NO. 779.4, AMENDING THE
CONFLICT OF INTEREST CODE. PASSED 5-0
C. Designation of Voting Delegate for League of California
Cities Annual Conference
CLEVENGER/STUTZMANMOVED TO APPOINT MAYOR KOHLER AS DELEGATE FOR LEAGUE
OF CALIFORNIA CITIES AND COUNCILMEMBER ANDERSON AS ALTERNATE. PASSED
5-0
D. Proposed Program Enhancements~ Traffic Safety Enforcement
and Traffic Engineering Analysis
This item was continued by consensus.
E. Design, Specifications and Budget for Beauchamps Park
Mr. Trinidad, Maintenance Department, stated the staff report is self
explanatory and will answer any questions.
Mr. Steve Wheeler, Architect, noted traffic was a concern when
developing the park. Mr. Wheeler pointed out the access to the park
as well as handicap access. He stated this is a low maintenance park
and is simply zoned. He presented a preliminary plan outlining the
zoning areas. He pointed out the. activity areas in the park and noted
the buffer zones for adjacent neighbors.
In response to the Council~s questions Mr. Wheeler stated the tennis
court was developed, taking the sun into consideration. The basket
ball court is 60 to 80 ft. away from residential homes.
Mr. Douglas Lipton, 20910 Burnett Dr., presented a petition to the
Council in favor of the park noting there is a strong consensus for a
community park. He stated the design of the park is the result of
neighborhood involvement. Mr. Lipton stated Beauchamps Ln. is a busy
street and the children need a park.
In response to Councilmember Anderson~s question Mr. Wheeler stated
there is a walkway from one end of the park to the other which connects
to the different areas of the park.
Councilmember Monia suggested some trees along Beauchamps Ln. Mr.
Wheeler stated there are no trees so as to maintain a view and also a
cost concern. Councilmember Monia suggested planting a few trees in
this area.
Mr. Ed Rodriguez, 12308 Crayside Ln., expressed support for the park
and concurred with Mr. Liptonts comments.
MONIA/ANDERSON MOVED TO APPROVE THE PRELIMINARY DESIGN AS PREPARED.
PASSED 5-0.
F. Memo Authorizing Publicity for Upcoming Hearings
Solicitors Ordinance~ Repeal of Conditional Final Maps~
R-OS Ordlnance~ Design Review Ordinance
CLEVENGER/MONIA MOVED TO ACCEPT PUBLICITY AS RECOMMENDED. PASSED 5-
0
9. CITY COUNCIL ITEMS
A. Agenda items for adjourned regular meeting September 10
with Makone Board and Tr. 7770 Investigative Committee
B. Reports from Individual Councilmembers
Councilmember Clevenger stated on September 19, 1991 there will be a
Cities meeting in Gilroy to discuss regional issues. She requested the
Councilmembers look at the literature on regional government set out
by SCCCA so as to give the delegate direction on how to vote at this
City Council Minutes 12 September 4, 1991
meeting. The Councilmembers discussed the issues to be addressed at
the meeting.
Councilmember Clevenger also reported on the Sister City visitors
schedule and urged Councilmembers to attend any functions they could.
10. CLOSED SESSION on pending litigation on' illegal grading,
clearing and tree removal on Cocciardi/Chadwick development,
Tr. 7770.
11. ADJOURNMENT
The meeting was adjourned at 12:25 a.m. to the meeting of September 10
at 6:30 p.m. at Hakone Gardens.
Respectfully Submitted
Catherine Robillard
Minute Clerk