HomeMy WebLinkAbout02-05-1992 City Council Minutes MINUTES
SARATOGA CITY COUNCIL
TIME: Wednesday, [ebruary 5, 1992 - 7:30 p.m.
PLACE: Civic Theater, 13777 Fruitvale Ave.
TYPE: Regular Meeting
1. ROLL CALL
Councilmembers Present: Clevenger, Monia, Stutzman, Mayor Kohler,
Anderson (arrived 7:35 pm)
Staff Present: City Engineer Perlin, City Attorney Riback, Assistant
to City Manager King, Interim Planning Director Eisner, Finance
Director Shriver.
2. CEREMONIAL ITEMS
A. Presentation of letters of appreciation to members of Tract
7770 Task Force
Mayor Kohler presented letters to Mr. Don Macrae and Dr. Jeff Schwartz,
thanking them for all their work on the Investigative Committee.
Mr. Macrae noted this was a long hard job and he appreciates the
recommendation in the letter. He noted there should be action to
prevent the devastation of hillside and penalties to pay'if trees are
knocked down.
3. ROUTINE MATTERS
A. Approval of Minutes - 1/15; 1/21; 1/29
Councilmember Monia made the following corrections to the minutes of
1/15: Page 3, "San Jose Mercury News" should be "Saratoga News"; Page
10, should reflect the motion and vote in item 8B.
CLEVENGER/ANDERSON MOVED TO APPROVE THE MINUTES OF 1/15, AS CORRECTED.
PASSED 5-0.
CLEVENGER/ANDERSON MOVED TO APPROVE THE MINUTES OF 1/21, AS PRESENTED.
PASSED 5-0.
CLEVENGER/ANDERSON MOVED TO APPROVE THE MINUTES OF 1/29, AS PRESENTED.
PASSED 5-0.
B. Approval of Warrant List
MONIA/ANDERSON MOVED TO APPROVE THE WARRANT LIST. PASSED 5-0
C. Report of City Clerk on Posting of Agenda
City Engineer Perlin stated pursuant to Government Code 54954.2, the
agenda for this meeting was properly posted on January 31.
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, 1/22 - Noted and filed.
B. Public Safety Commission Annual Retreat Summary, 1/11
Noted and filed.
C. Approval of Cooperative Agreement with CalTrans - Saratoga-
Sunnyvale Rd. Medians - Capital Project No. 924
D. Final Acceptance of Improvements, SD87-009, 20420 Hill Ave.
(Developer, J. Waller)
E. Change of title from Chief Building Inspector to Building
C~ty council Minutes 2 February 5, 1992
Codes Administrator
F. Authorization of Attendance of Parks Superintendent and
Two Parks and Recreation Commissioners at Parks and
Recreation conference, Long Beach, March 5-8, with
reasonable and necessary expenses.
G. Authorization of Attendance of City Engineer at Public
Works Officers Institute, March 18-20, in Irvine, with
reasonable and necessary expenses
H. Authorization of 10K Montalvo Run/Walk, April 18, 1992,
conditioned on compliance with all requirements of Special
Events Ordinance
ANDERSON/MONIA MOVED TO APPROVE THE CONSENT CALENDAR. PASSED 5-0
5. COMMUNICATIONS FROM COMMISSIONS AND THE PUBLIC
A. ORAL COMMUNICATIONS
Mr. Tom Reddick, 12389 Larchmont Ave., expressed concern regarding the
lack of clean up after work has been done by PG&E and the cable
television company. He feels the City should require them to clean up
as it is not the resident's responsibility.
Mr. Peter H. Thompson, 20720 4th Street #14, Thompson Trio, presented
a letter to the Council and read it. He requested that the Council
reconsider his proposal for a performing arts grant. Mr. Thompson
noted the performances they do within the City. He stated his proposal
is in.agreement with the City of Saratoga's policies. He noted he
wanted the public record clarified, to note that he has performed in
schools within the City.
Councilmember Monia noted he will abstain from this discussion.
Mayor Kohler stated that this matter will be looked into further and
the City will respond to Mr. Thompson.
Councilmember Anderson stated that the Council needs to discuss
guidelines for future grants and how much money should be spent.
B. WRITTEN COMMUNICATIONS
1) Mr. and Mrs. Ralph Van Heerden, 13841 Ravenwood Dr.,
requesting cancellation of Ravenwood Park purchase.
Mayor Kohler noted it is good to have the open space, but feels
something should be done with this parcel.
Councilmember Anderson stated the City should investigate the access
to the property. She noted this has been a concern and should be
looked into. She feels the property should be put to use, if not for
a park, for other recreational activities.
Councilmember Monia agreed with Councilmember Anderson. He feels it
would be difficult to monitor this park for vandalism, etc, because
there'are no residents near by.
City Engineer Perlin suggested the Park and Recreation Commission look
into an appropriate use for this site.
CLEVENGER/ANDERSON MOVED TO REFER THIS TO THE PARKS AND RECREATION
COMMISSION TO LOOK INTO AN APPROPRIATE USE FOR THIS SITE.
The above motion was carried 5-0.
2) Request by Hakone Foundation to Construct a Pedestrian
Entrance at Hakone Gardens.
city Engineer Perlin noted that he talked to the City Manager regarding
this issue and it was concluded that it would be more appropriate to
refer this letter to the Parks & Recreation Commission and also give
City council Minutes 3 February 5, 1992
staff time to look at it from a Risk Management perspective.
Mayor Kohler noted that he also talked to the City Manager and he
indicated to him that this should be referred to the Parks & Recreation
Commission.
Ms. Kay Duffy, Hakone foundation, noted this proposal is to provide a.
footpath because people are walking on the road. She noted the Trail
Center has very strict standards to follow. She noted there is a
contract within the package received by Councilmembers which discusses
the liability issue and feels there is sufficient coverage for workers.
She feels this is an excellent trail. She noted they would like to
start work on this trail to have it completed for the Hakone festival
and encouraged the City Council to allow them to proceed. She noted
they need to start this weekend in order to finish on time.
Councilmember Monia expressed concern regarding the liability issue and
questioned this within incorporated areas.
Ms. Duffy noted she is on the Garden Commission and they still have to
meet with the Parks & Recreation C~mmission to discuss the trail.
Councilmember Clevenger noted that much time and effort has been put
into this to make sure this is appropriate and does not want it to be
delayed.
Councilmember Monia noted the City Manager's request, he suggested that
the Council wait for the City Manger to discuss staff~s concerns and
then make a decision.
MONIA/STUTZMANMOVED TO CONTINUE THIS ITEM TO FEBRUARY 11, 1992, STUDY
SESSION.
Ms. Duffy noted the Parks Superintendent has been 'working with the
Hakone Foundation and is aware of the proposal.
The above motion was carried 5-0.
6. OLD BUSINESS - None.
7. NEW BUSINESS
A. Ordinance amending Section 4-50.020 Of the Munlcipal Code
relating to peddlers and solicitors requirement for a
business license (first reading and introduction)
City Attorney Riback noted this ordinance was recommended to the City
Council as a result of Community Services Officers determining there
was a conflict between two sections of the City Code. Mr. Riback
explained the concerns and noted the proposal to is to rectify the
problem.
Mr. Tom Reddick stated he is concerned about rocks and paper that
solicitors leave in his driveway. He noted this matter needs to be
cleared up.
MONIA/ANDERSON MOVED TO INTRODUCE ORDINANCE BY TITLE ONLYt WAIVING
FURTHER READING. PASSED 5-0
B. Ordinance designating City Engineer as City Traffic
Engineer (first reading and introduction)
City Engineer noted this is a follow up recommendation from a study
session and staff recommend that Council introduce ordinance by title
only, waiving further reading.
MONIA/ANDERSON MOVED TO INTRODUCE ORDINANCE BY TITLE ONLY, WAIVING
FURTHER READING. PASSED 5-0
Mayor Kohler moved to item 9C at this time.
9. C. City Position on Measure C School Tax - Clevenger
C~ty Council Minutes 4 Pebruary 5, 1992
Ceunc~lmember Clevenqer noted she put this on the agenda because a
member of the School bistrict called to her attention that Mayor Kohler
had signed the ballot measure opposing the parcel tax. She noted this
ihdicates to many Saratoga residents that this is the opinion of the
c~ty Council. She noted it needs tO be clarified that the majority of
the city council may not be in supbort of the Mayor's signature. She
requested the City Council take a position on this.
Mayor Kohler noted there was criticism about the signature, but it is
his own opinion.
Mr. Tom Reddick expressed concern regarding the parcel tax. He stated
he does pay tax to the City as he is a resident of Saratoga.
Councilmember Clevenger stated that Mr. Reddick does not have to pay
the parcel tax as he does not live in the Saratoga School District
area.
Mayor Kohler declared a recess.
Ms. Conhie Hammer, 15001 Quito Rd., requested that Councilmember
Clevenger restate her request. Councilmember Clevenger did so.
Ms. Hammer noted concern regarding the number of taxes the residents
are asked to support and why would the City Council take an official
stand on this issue.' She feels it is unfair that two of the 'City
Councilmembers be part of the vote as they are not affected by the tax.
She feels that scare tactics are b~ing used to urge voters to vote for
this tax. She requested the City Council not to take a stand on this
issue. She expressed concern about the way the School District use the
money they have.
Councilmember Stutzman noted he attended many of the School Board
Meetings to review the budget and the schools are in need Of repair.
He feels the schools are very important to the community and the tax
is needed.
Mr. Jeff Klopotik, Senate District Director for the California
Republican Assembly, noted that he represents the largest Republican
volunteer group in the State. He noted the Mission City Chapter is on
record for endorsing the opposition group Crossing Guards and any other
groups or individuals in opposition to Measure C. He wished the groups
success in upcoming elections.
Mr. John Crimmins, 19096 Harleigh Dr. noted the proposed budget for the
School District has a short fall of $1 million. He noted the parcel
tax is needed to repair the schools. He noted during the summer of
1990 citizens met to address the problems of the School District. He
stated the School District has a good reputation in Saratoga and they
want to keep it.
Ms. Lyn Barnum, 14350 Taos Dr., noted her children have attended
Saratoga Schools, she noted the people opposing the tax are not opposed
to good schools. She stated she .has been active within the public
schools to try to improve things. Ms. Barnum stated we need to get
back to the basics, she feels more money is not the solution to solve
the problems of the School DistriCt.
Councilmember Monia expressed concern about the process. He noted a
number of months ago there was an agreement. among the Council that they
would abstain from becoming involved in .another government entity's
affairs. He noted, no matter how many people speak at this hearing,
it will not convince him to change his opinion favoring the tax. He
noted after discussion regarding the School Board Tax, the Council made
a decision not to take a position on an official basis. He does not
feel it will help to have public input at this time as the Council
should deal with this item as a body.
Mayor Kohler stated the public should be allowed to speak and suggested
a two minute time limit per person.
City Attorney Riback stated the Council must allow people to speak but
has the authority to establish a time limit.
City council Minutes 5 February 5, 1992
Councilmember Monia moved to overrule the chair for the two minute time
limit. It was a consensus of the Council to continue the hearings for
another 10 minhtes.
Councilmember Stutzman Stated the discussions should be confined to the
matter at hand.
Ms. Mary Ann Welch, 19520 Kenosha Ct., stated she is not against the
schools, but is against new taxes until certain procedures are followed
as outlined in her letter presented to the Council. She stated even
if new taxes are passed there is no safeguard that will prevent the
same thing from happening again.
Mr. Ed Vincent, 13617 Westover Dr., stated this is not a proper item
for discussion and urged the Council to take a position on this
individually. He feels strongly about short changing education. Mr.
Vincent reiterated comments from the School Budget and the Emergency
Fund. He noted the deficit over the years.
Mr. Lou Thorpe, 19550 Farwell Ave., expressed opposition to the tax
increase as long as the School District uses money for less important
issues. Mr. Thorpe quoted Councilmembers remarks from the meeting of
May 15, 1991 regarding the parcel tax. Mr. Thorpe submitted a letter
to the Council to be made part of the public record.
Councilmember Clevenger noted she agrees with the comments of other
Councilmembers that the Council should not be involved, butthe reason
it is brought up is because they were forced into this since the Mayor
has signed, what appears to be, on behalf of the Council.
CLEVENGER/ANDERSON MOVED TO ENDORSE THE SCHOOL DISTRICT PARCEL TAX.
Councilmember Monia agreed with Councilmember Clevenger that there was
a violation of the Council's agreement, but does not feel that this
action should be taken. He suggested that the Council agree to remove
from the ballot arguments that have been signed, all the official
titles. He feels this is the issue to deal with.
Councilmember Anderson stated it is too late to do what Councilmember
Monia suggested, they have passed the deadline. She noted what needs
to be clarified is, when the Mayor signs it, does it represent the
Council as a whole?
Councilmember Anderson stated, although she is not within the School
District, her daughter does attend Foothill. She noted she has made
a pledge to the group supporting the parcel tax, that if the tax passes
she will pay the tax every year. She noted she has looked at the
school budget, there is no music or art this year and the buildings are
in bad condition. She stated the district does teach the basics, but
music and art should be part of the curriculum. She does not feel it
would be responsible to use all the reserves. She stated she will vote
for the motion.
The above motion was carried 3-1-1 (Kohler opposed; Monia abstaining).
Councilmember Monia stated it is important not to get involved in cross
elections.
MONIA/STUTZMAN MOVED THAT THE CITY ATTORNEY LOOK TO SEE IF THERE IS A
REASONABLE WAY TO REMOVE THE USE OF ANY CITY TITLE IN THE ELECTION.
After discussing the motion, Councilmember Monia withdrew his motion.
8. PUBLIC HEARINGS - 8:30 p.m.
A. CDBG/Human Services Allocations for 1992-93
Ms. Carolyn King, Assistant to the City Manager, summarized the staff
report. She noted staff received 11 proposals and have made
recommendations on 9 for the total amount of $343,745.
Councilmember Clevenger questioned the handicap access proposal.
Ckty Council Minutes 6 February 5, 1992
K~ng noted that the Hakone Cultural Center access proposal was
technically eligible, but staff was not recommending funding because
it was not in the highest priority category for CDBG funding. The
h~ghest priority County-wide is housing, and all of the recommended
p~oposals are housing-related.
Mayor Kohler opened the public hearing at 9:25 p.m.
Councilmember Clevenger informed the public that the money allocated
to these other services are specifically set aside for that purpose and
cannot be used to fund the School District.
Ms. Leta Friedlander, Live Oak Adult Day Care, gave background
information on her organization. She noted they have worked with the
County and hopes that the Council reconsider support for their request.
Ms. Arlyne June, Project Match, gave the background information of the
organization. She noted they match seniors together to share housing.
She expressed appreciation for the Council's support in the past and
their continued support. Ms. June stated they have matched residents
of Saratoga. She noted they are providing a good service to low income
seniors.
Ms. Barbara Noggle, 1150 S. Bascom Ave, San Jose, Hospice of the
Valley, noted the request is to help for the fee to rent Hakone Gardens
for their Memorial celebration. Ms. Noggle gave background information
of the Organization. She presented programs from last year's event to
the Council. She thanked the Council for their support and
consideration.
Ms. Cecelia Warner, 1361 Dubeft Ln., San Jose, Women's Housing
Connection of Silicon Valley, thanked the Council for considering their
application. She introduced board members who are Saratoga residents.
Ms. Warner gave background information of the organization.
Ms. King noted this was not with the other proposals because the
application was received late.
Ms. Gloria Baxter, 1000 Market St., Bill Wilson Center, gave background
information on the organization, noting they serve the youth in the
Valley. She noted there is a need to increase the number of beds and
they are proposing to raise the number from 6 to 20 beds. She noted
5 percent of the Bill Wilson Center residents are Saratoga residents.
She noted the request is for reconstruction.
Ms. Doris Sayles, 18691 Harleigh Dr., Live Oak Adult Day Care, noted
they serve Saratoga in many ways and encourage the City Council to
support their request.
Ms. Mary Ellen Heising, 1125 Olive Branch Ln., Second Harvest Food
Bank, explained the Operation Brown Bag Program. She noted Saratoga
residents are served, especially seniors in need. She noted they have
asked for an increase in funding and noted this is needed. Also they
are expanding and need a bigger facility. She noted they are now
having to go further to obtain the food needed.
Councilmember Monia questioned if'Ms. Heising had any statistical data
on the average number of calories they provide for the people they are
serving. Ms. Heising stated she did not; she noted they give
approximately 9 to 12 items per bag.
Ms. Heising went on to talk about the new'facility they are building.
She noted in order to utilize the building, they need more storage -
racks. She noted they are requesting money to purchase racks to
utilize the full use of the building.
Councilmember Anderson noted she talked to one of the Board of
Directors of Second Harvest Food Bank, who asked the Council to give
serious thought to fund this. She noted this organization is at the
heart of providing food throughout the County. She suggested giving
more money to this organization.
Ms. Elizabeth Replogle, 19208 Vineyard Ln., Saratoga Area Senior
City Council Minutes 7 February 5, 1992
Coordinating Council, noted the membership is almost 1000 people. She
noted 71.5 percent of the members are low to moderate income levels.
They need to be able to provide to more residents in Saratoga. She
noted they are offering many services to ~the seniors and want to
increase the services. She thanked the Council for their support and
continued support.
Ms. Donna Donahue, 10675 Martenwood Way, Cupertino, Long Term Care
Program, noted they are the agency that provide free problem solving
in many health and safety issues to residents of long term care
facilities. She noted the money is needed to stay on top of the
problems the facilities are having.
Mr. Keith Gordon, 20299 Blauer Dr., SASCC, expressed concern regarding
the source of funding from the city as it has been decreasing over the
years. Mr. Gordon reiterated funds awarded over the years and noted
the amount keeps going down. He requested that the Council award the
full amount requested at this time. He noted they have cut costs to
get the reserve up to a six month level.
In response to Councilmember Monia's question, Mr. Gordon stated the
interest in the accounts has increased over the last 12 months. He
noted if they have to lean on the endowments for the budget they will
not last very long. He noted they are proud of their organization and
urged the Council to award their request.
Ms. Lauren Mende, Transit Assist, gave the background information of
the organization and the Americans with Disabilities Act. She noted
the County will not be providing funds. She noted the residents in
Saratoga receive 38 percent of service from Transit Assist and hope to
provide more services as funds become available.
Councilmember Anderson noted she has attended Transportation meetings
and they are going to be proceeding more slowly for implementation of
ADA requirements because of lack of funding from County.
Ms. Linda Armstrong, Emergency Housing, noted the request for funding
is for Santa Clara Living Center, for bathroom facilities. She
explained that the shelter provides for families and they have a 70
percent success rate of getting families back into permanent housing
and jobs. She noted they are in support of staff recommendation and
request it for renovation of bathroom facilities.
Mr. Carlos D. Garcia, Fellowship Plaza, noted that Fellowship Plaza
does not belong to Odd Fellows. He explained what they provide, noting
the people come from the Community at large, serving'seniors and
disabled people. He noted the request is to provide adequate access
to the building.
In response to Councilmember Monia, Mr. Garcia stated approximately 3
percent of their residents come from Saratoga, but noted 16 to 17
percent of the residents have relatives living in Saratoga. He noted
the waiting list is approximately six months to one year.
Ms. Donna Lynd, 1930 Almaden Rd., San Jose, SCC, Los Gatos, explained
what the organization does. She noted 75 percent of the clients are
from low and very low income categories. She thanked the City Council
for their support in the past and hope they will consider staff's
recommendation.
Mayor Kohler closed the public hearing at.10:t9 p.m.
The Councilmember continued discussing the various funds.
Councilmember Clevenger suggested removing Fellowship Plaza and
Emergency Housing from the HCD FUNDS - CAPITAL to HCD FUNDS - OTHER,
Housing Development.
Councilmember Monia suggested taking $2,000 from SASCC--operations and
$2,000 from SASCC--day care to fund Women's Housing Connection.
After much discussion the following motion was made.
CSty Council Minutes 8 February 5, 1992
C~EVENGER/STUTZMAN MOVED TO ACCEPT STAFF,S RECOMMENDATION.
MONIA/KOHLER MOVED TO AMEND THE ABOVE MOTION TO SUBTRACT $1,000 EACH
FROM SASCC DAY CARE AND OPERATIONS FOR A TOTAL OF $2,000 TO FUND THE
W~MEN,S HOUSING CONNECTION. PASSED 3-2 (Anderson, Clevenger no)
The above motion with the amendment was carried 5-0.
B. Appeal of denial of design review approval to construct a
new, 2,386 sq. ft., two-story, single family home, and a
request for variance to encroach into the required front,
side and rear yard setbacks at 14668 6th St. in the R-M
zoning district (Applicant/appellant, Marchetti)(DR91-061;
V91-016)
Interim Planning Director Eisner presented the staff report. He
reviewed the Planning Commission's concern regarding the request for
the variance with regards to front and rear yard setbacks in the R-M
zone. Mr. Eisner outlined the alternatives available to the Council
as outlined in the staff report.
Councilmember Anderson questioned the setbacks as outlined in the staff
report. Mr. Eisner clarified this.
Councilmember Clevenger noted that this is a difficult lot situation
because it is surrounded by three other zoning districts and this could
be a finding to make a variance.
Councilmember Stutzman noted that he had met with Mrs Marchetti, at her
request and discussed the plans. The other councilmembers had also
done so.
Mayor Kohler opened the public hearing at 10:57 p.m.
Mrs Marchetti submitted information on the setbacks in a non-conforming
lot.
Mr. Walter Marchetti, 749 Mahogany Ln., Sunnyvale, requested approval
of the project as staff has recommended. He noted they bought the
property last year and have worked with staff and an architect to
present the plan proposed. He noted the reasons for the variance
request. He noted the lot is non-conforming and they request to use
the standards for an R-1 non-conforming lot. Mr. Marchetti stated
there are oak trees on the property and they want to preserve these.
He noted a variance was given to a house on the same street. He noted
the house is not extravagant and the design was planned to reduce the
massive look of the house. He noted the house will enhance the
neighborhood and they have signatures from homeowners in the area who
are in favor of the plans.
Mrs. Marchetti reviewed the setbacks. She noted they are in line with
other homes on the street. She presented a diagram of the lot and the
proposed house and requested that the Council consider the R-1 lot.
She noted if they stay within the R-1 zone the could obtain the privacy
from surrounding commercial buildings and preserve the oak trees on
site.
Mr. Dennis Favero, 19549 Vineyard, requested that the Council overturn
the Planning Commission's decision and Vote in favor of the project.
He noted the home will enhance the neighborhood and has received
neighborhood support.
Mr. Bill Brown noted he lives on the same street and is interested in
doing remodeling to his home in the future, but would run into problems
with the existing setbacks. He spoke in support of the project and
urged the Council to grant the variance.
In response to Mayor Kohler's question, Mr. Eisner stated the proposed
home will be in compliance with the neighborhood.
Mr. Diane Brown noted this is a good plan and in compliance with the
neighborhood. She noted they do not want a neighborhood with no
backyards and spoke in support of the proposed plan.
City Council Minutes 9 ~. February 5, 1992
Mayor Kohler closed the public hearing at 11:12 p.m.
Councilmember Anderson stated she could make a finding for a variance
that this is an extraordinary lot with extraordinary measures. She
noted She would like to see it developed as a single family home. She
stated the oak trees should be preserved.
Councilmember Monia stated he is in favor of the plan as it will
enhance the neighborhood and would support the variance.
Councilmember Stutzman noted he has reservations regarding the
variance. He noted when the owners bought the property they were aware
that this was a sub-standard lot and the setbacks required. He feels
that if the Council modify the standards they may be giving the
Planning Commission mixed signals.
Councilmember Clevenger concurred with Councilmember Stutzman, but
feels that this is a special case. She noted a sizeable house is
needed to balance nearby projects. Ms. Clevenger pointed out two other
projects within the City, comparable to this, that worked out well.
She stated this would be an improvement over what is there. She spoke
in support of preserving the oak trees and granting the variance.
Mayor Kohler stated he agrees with the other Councilmembers and there
is no specific plan for the village area. Staff should look into ~his.
He noted he is in support of the plan as proposed as it adds character
to the Community.
In response to Councilmember Monia's question, Mr. Eisner stated as a
design review condition they could require that only a single unit can
be developed on the lot.
Mr. Eisner suggested that the Council take action on the variance, but
direct staff to prepare the necessary resolution with conditions for
design review approval and bring that back to the Council in two weeks
for approval.
ANDERSON/CLEVENGER MOVED TO GRANT A VARIANCE WITH THE FOLLOWING
FINDINGS: 1. EXTRAORDINARY LOT; A. SUB- STANDARD LOT; B. OAK TREE8
SHOULD BE PRESERVED. PASSED 4-0 (Stutzman abstaining).
MONIA/ANDERSON MOVED TO DIRECT STAFF TO PREPARE RESOLUTION FOR DESIGN
REVIEW, AND ALSO ADDRESS THE ISSUE OF A SECOND UNIT AND TO BRING BACK
TO COUNCIL FOR REVIEW. PASSED 5-0.
C. Appeal of denial of design review approval to construct a
new 5,221 sq. ft. two-story residence on a 1.95 acre site
· in the NHR Zone district at 21097 comer Ave. A rear yard
pool, pool house and associated decking are also proposed.
(Appellant/applicant, Ruehle) (DR91-026)
Mayor Kohler noted Councilmember Stutzman left the meeting at 11:30
Interim Planning Director Eisner presented the staff report. He noted
the issue is the height which goes up to 26 ft. He noted the Planning
Commission did put a 22 ft. height limit.
Councilmember Anderson noted that Commissioners on the Planning
Commission at the time of the proposal, made the comment that the 22
ft. limit was a condition because the lot is higher up the hill.
Mayor Kohler opened the public hearing at 11:40 p.m.
Ms. Virginia Fanelli, representing the property owners, requested
approval of the design which meets all Ordinance standards. She noted
the design will not infringe on the Oak Trees and the house was
designed with input from the neighbors. She noted the trees will also
provide privacy and the view shed will not be impacted. Ms. Fanelli
stated the owners are working on resolving the existing drainage
problem. Ms. Fanelli went on to present the design of the home, noting
it will be one story in the front and two story in the back, stepping
C~ty Council Minutes 10 February 5, 1992
dgwn the hillside. She noted the proposed design is appropriate for
the site and compatible with the neighborhood, noting there are letters
f~om neighbors in support of the plans. She noted the most recently
b~ilt house in the neighborhood is 28 ft. high.
ME. Fanelli noted that nodesign review criteria has been violated and
i~ sensitive to the neighborhood.
in response to Councilmember Anderson~s question, Ms. Fanelli stated
t~e second story ceiling is at 7 ft. as proposed, and does not think
it could come down lower to accommodate the lower roof element.
Councilmember Monia noted if the house was moved to a higher elevation,
there would be setback problems.
Ms. Fanelli noted the lower driveway is a mutual easement.
Mr. Bill Ruehle, property owner, noted they retained an architect who
is familiar with Saratoga and to work with staff to stay within all the
rules. He noted they have had neighborhood meetings to discuss
preserving the character of the area. He noted the request is to
preserve the architecture proposed and enhance the quality of the
neighborhood.
Mr. Darrell Sniffen,.21072 Comer Dr., noted he has reviewed the plans
and it is under 26 ft. and spoke in support of the plans.
Mayor Kohler closed the public hearing at 11:55 p.m.
MONIA/CLEVENGER MOVED TO APPROVE THE DESIGN REVIEW SUBJECT TO STAFF~S
RECOMMENDATIONS.
Mayor Kohler stated although it is a good design, he feels it is too
intrusive.
The above motion was carried 3-1 (Kohler No, Stutzman absent)
D. Advisory Ballot Measure to Limit Terms of City
Councilmembers
This item was continued to February 19, 1992.
E. Ordinance amending Building Site Approval Ordinance (first
reading and introduction)
Continued to a later date to allow further time for preparation.
7. C. 1990-91 Financial Statement and Audit Report
Ms. Patricia Shiver, Finance Director, presented the staff report
reiterating comments from the Comprehensive Annual Financial Report.
Councilmember Monia requested adding the Youth Commission to Page 2 of
the cover letter in the report.
Councilmember Anderson asked why the software was not updated as
recommended last year. Ms. Shriver stated it is very complicated and
explained the reasons for not updating the software, noting she did not
feel the benefits justified spending the money.
ANDERSON/MONIA MOVED TO ACCEPT THE REPORT. PASSED 4-0 (Stutzman
absent)
D. Engagement Letter for 1991-92 Audit
Ms. Patricia Shriver, Finance Director, presented the staff report
noting it is staff's recommendation that the Council approve Maze and
Assoc. for 1991-92 Fiscal Year Audit.
ANDERSON/CLEVENGER MOVED TO APPROVE MAZE ANDASSOC. FOR 1991-92 FISCAL
YEAR AUDIT. PASSED 4-0 (Stutzman absent)
E. League of California cities Growth Management conference,
City Council Minutes 11 February 5, 1992
February 20-21, 1992~ in Sacramento
City Engineer Perlin stated it is staff's recommendation that the
Council determine whether to authorize attendance by a member of the
City council and/or a member of the staff.
Councilmember Anderson stated she and Councilmember Clevenger would
like to attend the meeting because they have been involved in the ABAG
meeting and need to be kept up-to-date on all the information.
MONIA/ANDERSON MOVED TO APPROVE APPROXIMATELY $600 FOR COUNCILMEMBERS
CLEVENGER AND ANDERSON TO ATTEND THE GROWTH MANAGEMENT CONFERENCE.
PASSED 4-0 (Stutzman absent).
F. Memo Authorizing Publicity for Upcoming Hearings Pike
Road GPA; Satellite Dish Ordinance
City Engineer Perlin noted it is staff's recommendation that Council
approve publicity as recommended.
ANDERSON/MONIA MOVED TO APPROVE THE PUBLICITY AS RECOMMENDED. PASSED
4-0 (Stutzman absent).
9. CZTY COUNCZL ZTEMS
A. Agenda items for joint meeting with Planning Commission
February 11
1. Discussion regarding developing a policy statement to
be incorporated into the Circulation Element of the
General Plan either discouraging or prohibiting the
gating of private roads.
City Engineer Perlin informed the Council of the joint meeting with the
Planning Commission and noted they will be discussing the gating of
private roads.
Councilmember Monia suggested that the Council also discuss the
direction given to Mr. Oliver regarding the Paul Masson site.
Also to be discussed at the meeting: Trail at Hakone Gardens; Permitted
density in R-M zoning districts; parking of recreational vehicles on
private property.
B. Library Expansion Committee
This item was continued to the meeting of February 11, 1992.
D. Reports from Individual Councilmembers
Councilmember Anderson noted the School Board wants to meet with the
Council on February 25th, but this date is not suitable, and another
will have to be made.
Councilmember Anderson reported on the T2010 Plan. Councilmember
Clevenger noted they should object to the process used to revise the
Plan.
CLEVENGER/MONIA MOVED TO WRITE A LETTER OBJECTING TO THE PROCESS USED
TO REVISE THE T2010 PLAN. PASSED 4-0 (Stutzman absent).
Councilmember Clevenger noted the Hakone Dedication is on April 11 and
the Hakone Festival is May 9th. She also noted she had received
complaints from citizens regarding recreation vehicles parked in
private driveways, and stated this issue needs to be addressed.
Mayor Kohler noted he and Councilmember Monia attended a citizens group
meeting. Councilmember Monia noted that vandalism was discussed as a
result of the incident at one of the local schools. He noted there is
another meeting March 2nd. He noted the city should work with the
school to find a place where the school children can go for a Halloween
dance.
C~ty Council Minutes 12 February 5, 1992
1~. CLOSED ~ESSION on pending litigation on illegal grading,
clearing and tree removal on Cocciardi/Chadwick development,
Tr. 7770 and on Personnel Matters - Management Employee
Compensation and City Attorney Evaluation
The closed session was continued to [ebruary 11, 1992.
11. ADJOURNMENT
The meeting adjourned at 12:25 a.m. to February 11 at 6:15 p.m.
Respectfully submitted,
Minutes Clerk"'