HomeMy WebLinkAbout07-15-1992 City Council Minutes MINUTES
SARATOGA CITY COUNCIL
TIME: Wednesday, July 15, 1992 - 7:30 p.m.
PLACE: Civic Theater, 13777 Fruitvale Ave.
TYPE: Regular Meeting
Pledge of Allegiance
1. ROLL CALL
Councilmembers Present: Tucker, Burger, Monia, Kohler, Mayor Anderson
Staff Present: City Manager Peacock, City Attorney Riback, City
Engineer Perlin, Planning Director Curtis.
2. CEREMONIAL ITEMS - None.
3. ROUTINE MATTERS
A. Approval of Minutes - 6/30; 7/1; 7/7
Minutes of 6/30:
Councilmember Tucker made a correction to the minutes of 6/30:
Page 2,. paragraph 2, should read "Councilmember Tucker nominated
Councilmember Anderson. The nomination passed 3-2 (Kohler, Monia
opposed)
MONIA/BUNGER MOVED TO APPROVE THE MINUTES OF 6/30# A8 CORRECTED.
PASSED 5-0.
Minutes of 7/1:
Mayor Anderson noted names had been spelt wrong and she will submit the
corrections to the City Manager.
Councilmember Tucker made a correction to page 12, last paragraph,
first sentence should read "At this point, Mayor Anderson said she
would make one comment, that this has been characterized as a piece of
racial hate mail."
BURGER/MONIA MOVED TO APPROVE THE MINUTES OF 7/1, AS CORRECTED. PASSED
MONIA/BUR8ER MOVED TO APPROVE THE MINUTES OF 7/7, AS SUBMITTED. PASSED
B. Approval of Warrant List
MONIA/BUNGER MOVED TO APPROVE THE WARRANT LIST. PASSED 5-0.
C. Report of City Clerk on Posting of Agenda
City Manager Peacock stated pursuant to Government Code 54954.2, the
agenda for this meeting was properly posted on July 10.
4. CONSENT CALENDAR
A. Planning Commission Actions, 7/8 - Noted and filed.
B. Rakone Foundation Fund Raising/Donation Recelp~s - 6/4/92-
7/7/92
C. City Financial Reports for June:
1) Treasurer's Report
2) Investment Report
3) Financial Report
4) Quarterly Quarry Creek Trust Report
city council Minutes 2 July 15, 1992
5)Quarterly Teerlink Trust Report - Final Report
6) SCACTV Investment Report
D. village Parking District No. 3 - Authorization of Mayor
to execute Quitclaim Deed reconveying fee title to property
at 14407 Big Basin Way.
E. Agreement with City of San Jose to Pave Prospect Avenue -
Authorization of staff to enter into an Agreement for the
construction of an A.C. Overlay on Prospect Avenue with all
cost to be reimbursed by the City of Saratoga
BURGER/TUCKER MOVED TO APPROVE THE CONSENT CALENDAR. PASSED 5-0.
5. COMMUNICATIONS FROM COMMISSIONS AND THE PUBLIC
A. ORAL COMMUNICATIONS
Mr. Jim Lavin, Pepper Ln., explained the reasons he is addressing the
City Council. He expressed concern about the past election and the
mailer sent out. Mr. Lavin noted his outrage at the tactics used in
the last election.
Mr. Jim Stuart, Allendale Ave., requested that the City Council vote
to overturn the Mayor's decision regarding oral communications. He
feels this is denying the right of many citizens to speak to the City
Council. He noted there are young and elderly citizens who cannot wait
to the end of the meeting to speak. He noted residents concerns and
criticism are "real" city business. Mr. Stuart addressed the City
Attorney's remarks regarding this issue.
Colonel Barco, 19101 Camino, addressed the issue of flood lighting in
the City. He noted the flood lights at St. Michael Archangel's Church
are operating illegally and asked the City Council to address this.
He noted the system was built without a permit and the height of the
poles are in violation of city code.
Mayor Anderson asked for a report back from staff.
Mr. Charles Shaw, Ravenwood Dr., addressed the budget problem of the
State in relationship to the City. He suggested that the City use the
money allocated for the Ravenwood Park for other City business as not
all the residents want this park.
Mr. Tom Reddick, 12389 Larchmont Ave., expressed outrage at the time
limit under oral communications. He feels this is the time to hear
comments from the public and noted the time limit is unfair. He stated
people come here to be heard and should be heard.
Councilmember Burger stated the Council is not setting a precedent with
the change in the policy. She reiterated statements from a policy
passed in 1983 regarding the time limit on oral communications.
Councilmember Monia requested that oral communications, not heard under
Oral Communications, be heard before City Council items on the agenda.
City Attorney R~back stated the Council has been acting under the same
policy for some time other than the overall time limit for the oral
communications.
Councilmember Kohler feels it is impractical to have people wait to the
end of the meeting to address the Council under Oral Communications.
He stated the public should be allowed to speak and be heard and hopes
this change in policy is temporary.
BURGER/TUCKER MOVED THAT IT BE THE POLICY OF THE CITY COUNCIL TO HEAR
REMAINING ORAL COMMUNICATIONS BEFORE COUNCIL ITEMS. PASSED 4-1 (Kohler
opposed)
Mayor Anderson noted that not all the speakers have to take three
minutes to speak and they may be able to hear most people.
City Council Minutes 3 July 15, 1992
Councilmember Monia feels that this is not the proper way to conduct
business as this is the only time on the agenda when the general public
can speak. He noted many young and elderly people cannot wait to the
end of the meting to speak and expressed concern about this. He noted
it is a constitutional right to be able to speak.
Councilmember Burger stated there are elderly and young people.
scheduled to be heard on the agenda and they have to wait to the end
of the meeting in some cases.
B. WRITTEN COMMUNICATIONS
1) Request for Joining amicus brief - Briseno v. santa
Ana - occupancy Ordinance
Staff recommends that the City Council agree to join the Dana Point
Amicus Brief and ask the State Supreme Court to take up the case.
City Attorney Riback noted the City has been requested to join in an
amicus brief which will be filed supporting an ordinance with the City
of Santa Ana. Mr. Riback addressed the letter to all City Attorneys
dated June 23, 1992 explaining the amicus brief. He noted the
ordinance involves a limit on persons living in a residence.
In response to Councilmember Monia'squestion, Mr. Riback stated if the
City had this ordinance in place the City would be allowed to establish
what it believes to be an appropriate minimum square footage for each
individual in the one home. He noted if the issue came up at this
time, the City would have to follow State regulations.
In response to Councilmember Kohler's question, regarding implications
if Santa Ana won, Mr. Riback stated the implications relates to the
State's authority to impose building and housing standards on
individual cities.
MONIA/KOHLER MOVED TO JOIN IN THE AMICUS BRIEF. PASSED 5-0.
2) Request from Donald B..Miller, Hakone Foundation,
concerning appointment of John Tauchi as Hakone
Foundation Trustee.
MONIA/BURGER MOVED TO APPOINT WR. JOHN TAUCHI AS HAKONE FOUNDATION
TRUSTEE. PASSED 5-0.
3) Letter from W. D. Whetstone with complaints about
apparent garbage bin and sign vlolatlons at 14375
Saratoga Ave.
Staff recommends that the City Council receive and file and note
actions taken by City staff.
Mr. DonWhetstone, 14395 Saratoga Ave., stated he has had problems with
the garbage bins for many months. Be noted where the garbage bins are
placed is illegal and in violation of City Ordinance. Mr. Whetstone
reiterated comments from a letter received from Mayor Anderson noting
her outrage at the conditions of the trash bins. He feels that staff
are not taking any actionon this matter and he was promised support
from staff, which he never received. Mr. Whetstone presented copies
of a letter from the Chief Building Inspector, which were submitted to
the Councilmembers. He noted no action ha~ been taken to resolve this
matter and he will now take civil action. Mr. Whetstone expressed his
outrage that the City Council has not addressed the ordinance
violation.
Councilmember Burger stated that the cover letter of the staff report
outlines the action that has been taken by staff. She noted the owner
of the dumpster has been placed on notice and will be cited for any
violations.
Mayor Anderson noted Mr. White will be cited if the dumpster is not
moved to the back of the building after trash pick-up.
Councilmember Monia expressed concern as to why the city has taken so
City Council Minutes 4 July 15, 1992
long to act on this matter. He stated this is a major issue for Mr.
Whetstone.
Mayor Anderson stated the problem was complicated by documents given
to the City Hall regarding property line locations. She stated staff
does need to look into the procedure and respond back to the City
Council.
Colonel Barco addressed a problem with trash in his neighborhood on
Allendale Dr., similar to the one Mr. Whetstone has presented. He
noted staff is aware of this problem. He noted that staff needs to
address this problem and deal with it.
Mayor Anderson stated she would like a report back from staff regarding
this matter.
4) Letter from Ripley Associates concerning Community
Libraz7 Expansion Architect selection
Staff recommends that the City Council receive and file.
Mayor Anderson noted there will be a meeting next week, and she and
Councilmember Monia could not attend. She asked if the meeting should
be changed?
City Manager Peacock stated that he has notified all the parties
involved.
Councilmember Monia stated this is an important issue and he would like
to attend the meeting and suggested changing the date.
Mayor Anderson concurred.
Councilmember Monia suggested discussing this under Council Items.
5) Report from Grand Juz7 concerning Investigation of
Events and circumstances Surrounding Unapproved Site
Improvements of Tract 7770 in the Saratoga Foothills
Staff recommends that the City Council direct staff as to comments,
which Grand Jury requires in 90 days.
In response to Mayor Anderson~s question, City Manager Peacock stated
the legal obligation is to comment on the report.
Mayor Anderson read the recommendations of the Grand Jury to the City
Council.
In .response to Councilmember Kohler~s questions, City Attorney Riback
stated the Council has to comment on the findings and recommendations
and indicate how the Council feels about them. Also what action the
City Council deems appropriate and direct staff to follow.
Mayor Anderson recommended asking staff to prepare a response to be
reviewed by the Council and open it up to public comment.
The Council agreed to work from a letter to be drafted by the staff.
Councilmember Monia asked if the Council would like to explore the
Grand Jury's comments regarding irregularities. He noted this should
be addressed under City Council items.
Mayor Anderson moved to the public hearings at this time.
8. PUBLIC HEARINGS
A. Appeal of denial of design review approval to construct a
3,332 eg. ft. detached guest house on a 3.45 acre parcel
in the NHR zone district at 14930 Vintner ct.
(Applicant/appellant, Farsio~ DR-91-057) (continued from
6/17)
Councilmember Tucker asked the City Attorney~s advice on participating
City Council Minutes 5 July 15, 1992
in the discussion of this hearing as she was involved in this matter
as a member of the Planning Commission.
City Attorney Riback stated as a Councilmember she is obligated to act
on matters before the Council, unless there is a legal conflict of
interest.
Planning Director Curtis presented the staff report dated July 15,
1992. He noted the Planning Commission did review this in May and
voted unanimously to deny the request, reasons outlined in the staff
report. He noted on May 27th the applicant presented an alternative
design to the Planning Commission, who felt that new plans should be
resubmitted. He stated the applicant is now before the Council to
appeal the original design.
Mayor Anderson opened the public hearing at 8:32 p.m.
Mr. Ali Farsio, Applicant, noted his request for the quest house is
within City Codes. He noted the size of a guest house allowed is not
written in the Ordinance. He stated his lot is 3 1/2 acres and because
of the shape it does not allow the building to be close to the existing
residence. Mr. Farsio outlined his reasons for wanting theguest house
and requested approval of the original design, but a smaller size. In
response to Mayor Anderson's question, Mr. Farsio stated he has not
submitted new plans for the smaller guest house.
Councilmember Monia stated that he feels the applicant is confused
about the process of the hearings.
City Attorney Riback explained the process to Mr. Farsio, noting that
if a new design is requested the applicant must submit new plans and
be heard before the Planning Commission. He explained that the
modification to the design came after the resolution, therefore new
plans must be submitted. He noted the issue before the City Council
is the appeal of the denial by the Planning Commission. He stated in
order for the City Council to hear the subsequent proposal, plans must
be submitted and then be heard by the Planning Commission.
Mayor Kohler stated that this is a misunderstanding and suggested that
the fee paid for the appeal should be applied toward the fees for the
Planning Commission for the redesign.
TUCKER/BURGER MOVED TO CLOSE THE PUBLIC HEARING. PASSED 5-0.
Councilmember Monia expressed concern about setting a precedent for
other applicants coming in with redesigns. Councilmember Monia spoke
in support of waiving the fee and applying it towards the fee for the
Planning Commission.
City Attorney Riback stated the appropriate action at this time would
be to deny without prejudice and recommend going back to the Planning
Commission with new plans.
Councilmember Monia .noted he would like to discuss this issue in a
study session.
MONIA/BURGER MOVED TO UPHOLD THE DENIAL OF THE PLANNING COMMISSION
WITHOUT PREJUDICE. PASSED 5-0.
Councilmember Monia requested a report from the City Attorney about
the complications of the Measure A agreement. He also suggested asking
the Planning Commission to address the size of accessory structures.
Councilmember Kohler asked if people in this area are notified of their
legal rights when purchasing the property.
MONIA/KOHLER MOVED TO REFUND THE APPEAL FEE BY ALLOWING A CREDIT
AGAINST MR. FARSIO'S REAPPLICATION. PASSED 5-0.
Mr. Farsio stated there is no comments regarding a guest house in the
Measure A settlement.
City Attorney Riback stated he did look at the Measure A settlement and
Cit~ Council Hinutes 6 ~ul~ 15~ 1992
there is a serious question of whether Mr. Farsic has the right to
build anything on the lot. Me noted he has not had the opportunity to
look at the background documents that relate to the settlement
agreement back in 1983 and will look at these to determine the intent.
Councilmember Monia suggested that Mr. Farsio wait until the legal
opinion has been established before going any further.
B. Resolution approving Final Zngineer~s Report and confirming
Assessments (LLA-1) (existing)
Staff recommends that the City Council adopt the resolution.
City Engineer Perlin presented the staff report dated July 15, 1992.
Me noted he receiVed'no written protest.
In response to Councilmember Burgeres question, Mr. Perlin stated this
is an existing Landscaping and Lighting District which was established
in 1980. He noted the recommendation is to reauthorize the existing
district.
The public hearing was opened at 8:52 p.m.
The public hearing was clo~ed at 8:53 p.m.
MONIA/TUCKER MOVED TO ADOPT 'RESOLUTION 92-032.4 CONFIRMING THE
ASSESSMENTS. PASSED 5-0.
C. Integrated Waste Management Program costs and Proposed
Rates
MONIA/TUCRER MOVED TO CONTINUE ITEM 8C TO THE MEETING OF AUGUST 5,
1992. PASSED 5-0.
6. OLD BUSINESS
A. Funding Criteria for Human services Grants Program
(requested at May 6 meeting)
Staff recommends that the City Council consider options and direct
staff.
Ms. King, Assistant to the City Manager, presented the staff report
dated July 15, 1992. Ms. King reiterated comments from the staff
report and outlined the options recommended.
Councilmember Monia stated applicants requesting grants should be asked
for financial statements as this would be helpful to staff when making
recommendations to the City Council.
Councilmember Burger stated she has no objections to request a
financial statement. She noted she would like to see the City Council,
as a body, reiterate the Council commitments to the agencies who are
providing services to Saratoga residents.
Councilmember Monia noted this will be difficult to judge because most
of the applicants have some percentage of service to Saratoga.
There was a consensus of the Council to request a financial statement
from applicants applying for grants.
B. Report from Planning Director'on Kerwin Ranch Status
City Manager Peacock noted the City Council received an oral
communication at the July 1st meeting and directed staff to prepare a
status report. He noted staff was not asked to comment on the
questions raised.
City Attorney Riback stated this should be received and filed and no
discussion held.
MONIA/BURGER MOVED TO RECEIVE AND FILE. PASSED 5-0.
City Council Minutes 7 July 15, 1992
C. Council Team Building session
Staff recommends that the City Council select possible dates for a Team
Building Retreat in September.
The Councilmembers discussed the team building and Mayor Anderson noted
there are two options and outlined these. She noted the Council n~ed
to decide which option to choose.
Councilmember Monia stated it would be his preference to have
individual consulting. He suggested having private sessions with the
consultant and then when they come together as a group it should be a
public session.
Councilmember Kohler stated the Council should look into the people who
give these courses and make sure it will benefit the City.
Councilmember Burger stated that the team building will be helpful and
the Council will benefit from it. She noted she is concerned if all
councilmembers are not willing to participate. She noted she has no
objections doing it under the auspices of a consultant, but feels when
the Council meet as a group the public must be observers only.
Councilmember Tucker spoke in favor of the team building offered by the
League of California Cities. She feels getting away and discussing the
issues would be beneficial to all councilmembers.
Councilmember Monia Stated it should be a public session.
City Manager Peacock informed the Council as to when the League has
their team building and noted he does have literature describing the
process of team building.
In response to Mayor Andersonts questions, City Attorney Riback stated
the Brown Act does require the City Council or Planning Commission, at
a retreat, to meet in public session. They must allow the public to
observe when the City Council discuss their relationshlp with each
other. He noted the Council will discuss policies, albeit
unintentionally, and the public should be allowed to observe.
Councilmember Monia requested that staff come back with an outline of
events.
City Manager Peacock stated there are general rules that have to be
agreed upon. He noted no-one can be judgmental. Also there has to be
assurances that people will not be attacked for their own opinions and
the facilitator must make sure this is done. Mr. Peacock outlined the
proceedings of the team building. Be suggested that the Consultant
talk to the City Council before hand and give an overview of the
proceedings.
Councilmember Burger spoke in support of staffts recommendations.
Councilmember Monia noted he supports staff~s recommendation but would
not be available two weeks in September.
Councilmember Kohler stated he would like to see the objectives of the
program before starting. He stated the Council~s objective must be to
have clear policies for the public.
The Councilmembers discussed the objectives of the team building.
Mayor Anderson noted she would like the consultant to talk to the City
Council to outline the process.
D. Bakone Parking Fee (from 2/19) - Progress Report on
Implamentation from Foundation President Don Miller
City Manager Peacock stated this is a progress report. In response to
Councilmember Monia~s question, Mr. Peacock stated Hakone don~t have
to pay back to the City until the end of 1995. He stated financially,
it is better to pay off the loan.
Councilmember Burger stated at the last meeting she attended at Hakone
City Council Minutes S July 15, 1992
Foundation they did discuss the advantage of paying down the loan.
E. Litigation on San Jose Landfill T~x - discuss whether to
Join other cities in pursuing legal action.
City Manager Peacock stated he received a confidential memo from the
City Attorney at the City of Palo Alto requesting the City join with
other cities to overturn the decision of the City of San Jose regarding
the Landfill Tax. He noted the amount of money involved for the
litigation would be approximately $2500.
Mayor Anderson noted this should be discussed in closed session.
7. NEW BUSINESS
A. Staff Quarterly Report on To-Do List Items
Staff recommends that the City Council review the current list, add
items to be done in .1992-93 if necessary.
City Manager Peacock noted'six items the Council may want to discuss
before March. He reviewed these as outlined in the staff report.
In response to Mayor Anderson~s comments, Mr. PeacoCk stated the County
has adopted the T2010 plan. He stated the City should be concerned
about how transit improvements are going to translate into improved
public transit in and around Saratoga.
Mayor Anderson outlined the cuts in transportation.
Councilmember Burger requested adding Senior housing to the list.
Mayor Anderson stated this will be added to the City Mariagerms list.
Councilmember Monia stated the City is at final build-out in the
Community and the Council should put to rest the interest to have
funding mechanism for open space. He stated the City Should find out
if the residents want the open space funding and find out how it will
be funded.
Mayor Anderson noted there have been discussions in the past about
having an organization of citizens to look at the open space policies
and put a package together which informs the residents on what the
money is being spent on. She noted they need a consensus from the
Community at large whether they want the open space funding and who
will pay for it.
Councilmember Monia stated he would like to start the process and the
Council should take the leadership and present something to the
community.
Councilmember Burger stated she would like to see this placed on the
agenda for discussion.
Mayor Anderson noted it would be useful to find out how other cities
deal with this.
Mayor Anderson went back to item 6E at this time.
Mr. Bill Chastain, 14481 Chester Ave., requested that the Council make
a direct and clear statement to the City of San Jose opposing the
landfill tax. He stated the litigationis justified and the money
should be spent to participate in theligation.
Mayor Anderson noted the Council has taken a stand opposing this tax.
The Council continued discussion on item 7A.
City Manager noted the Council would like to add Senior Housing and
Open Space to the to-do list. He noted there is a 10 year plan to
improve and complete existing parks within the City. He noted the
Library Expansion and SW/NE Road are also on the list.
City Council Minutes 9 July 15, 1992
Councilmember Kohler stated SW/NE Road can be heard in combination with
open space.
City Manager stated this is a complex issue and needs to be resolved.
Mayor Anderson questioned the sidewalk plan.
City Manager Peacock stated this plan has been reviewed by the Public
Safety Commission and will be integrated into the circulation element.
He noted the school sidewalk is part of the sidewalk plan. Mr. Peacock
stated the residential lighting ordinance will be discussed with the
Planning Director. Regarding the. Air Quality Element, Mr. Peacock
stated they received a draft deficiency plan guidelines which will be
adopted in October.
B. Second Amendment to Agency Agreement for Count~wlde
Household Hazardous Waste Collection Program
Staff recommends that the City Council approve the amendment.
MONIA/TUCKER MOVED TO APPROVE THE AMENDMENT TO AGENCY AGREEMENT FOR
COUNTYWIDE HOUSEHOLD HAZARDOUS WASTE COLLECTION PROGRAM. PASSED 5-0.
C. Request for Financial Assistance of $10,802.50 by west Valley
College for Older Adult Classes
Staff recommends that the City Council table this for 45 days to await
outcome of State budget impact on the City.
Mayor Anderson noted she had a call from the trustee who expressed
concern about the cut in classes because of the budget.
City Manager Peacock noted when the City Council met with the college
last October they mentioned that this was an emerging problem, and they
might have to cut back on some outreach programs in the near future.
Councilmember Monia spoke in support of staffts recommendation.
MONIA/BURGER MOVED TO TABLE THIS ITEM FOR 45 DAYS. PASSED 5-0.
D. Fees for Permits for Massage Establlshments and Massagists
Staff recommends that the City Council receive and file.
City Manager Peacock presented the staff report dated June 26, 1992.
He did not recommend the fees be reduced.
Councilmember Kohler stated the registration f~es are higher than
neighboring cities.
City Manager Peacock explained how the City arrived at its fee, noting
that each City makes its own decision regarding the fee and recovering
the costs.
TUCKER/BURGER MOVED TO RECEIVE AND FILE. PASSED 5-0.
E. Memo Authorizing Publicity for Upcoming Hearings - Weed
Abatement~ Cable ~ Franchise
Councilmember Monia suggested staff consider putting together general
information on Cable TV to hand out to the general public.
Mayor Anderson suggested putting an article in the Saratoga News which
answers common questions regarding cable TV.
F. Proposed City Budget cuts, including ch-mher of commerce
Funding
The Councilmembers discussed the proposed budget cuts. City Manager
Peacock stated if is difficult to say what will happen until the State
makes a decision, but would like information from the Council.
It was agreed that the Councilmembers would submit their comments in
City Council Minutes 10 July 15, 1992
writing, regarding the budget cuts, to the City Manager.
Mr. Bill Chastain, expressed concern about a continuing problem
regarding through traffic on Chester Avenue. He requested that staff
look into this issue to eliminate the through traffic and slow down the
speed on Chester Avenue.
Mayor Anderson noted this should be directed to the Public Safety
Commission through the City Engineer and asked Mr. Chastain to follow
such a course of action.
9. CITY COUNCIL ITEMS
A. Resolution Appointing councilmembers to Various
Intergovernmental Committees - Kohler
Councilmember Kohler expressed concern regarding the appointment to the
West Valley Sanitation District. He feels when Councilmember Burger
was appointed it was planned before the appointment. Councilmember
Kohler noted he requested to be appointed.
Mayor Anderson stated that new Councilmembers are given literature
regarding the Commiagencies sions they could serve on. She noted that
Councilmember Burger showed interest in this agency.
Councilmember Kohler stated he felt he was rejected for the wrong
reason.
Ms. Nancy McKereghan stated she was disturbed to find out the process
in which Councilmembers where appointed to agencies. She expressed
concern about the fact that Mayor Anderson was approached a week before
her 'appointment to Mayor regarding the position on this agency. She
questioned if this was a political pay-off before the election.
Councilmember Burger expressed her outrage at the allegations made.
She noted she has taken more than her fair share of assignments because
she feels the City has suffered in the past years when Councilmembers
do not attend the meetings.
Mayor Anderson explained the procedure for selecting the Mayor and gave
a history of the selections.
Councilmember Monia suggested that if a Councilmember receives a
stipend from another agency their stipend for City Council should be
reduced. He also expressed concern about Councilmembers discussing
items on the agenda outside of a public meeting.
In response to Councilmember Monia's question City Attorney Riback
stated that discussions can take place with less than a quorum, but
decisions cannot be made.
Mayor Anderson noted she reviewed the committees and asked the
Councilmembers which ones they would like to serve on.
Councilmember Monia believes that Mayor Anderson violated the BrownAct
and made a decision regarding the appointment to the West Valley
Sanitation Commission prior to the meeting.
Mayor Anderson stated it is the Mayor~s prerogative to select committee
members, but ratification is by City Council resolution.
Councilmember Kohler stated he would like to know the reason why
Councilmember Burger was picked for the District Board. He stated he
does not feel he has to justify his commitment to the City Council.
He feels, traditionally, it was his turn to take this position.
Councilmember Tucker noted that the Mayor should make a decision and
move on with the meeting.
Mayor Anderson stated that she stands by her original decision. She
noted it is important that Councilmembers attend the meetings.
Councilmember Kohler stated he resents comments made about his lack of
City Council Minutes 11 July 15, 1992
dedication for serving the City.
Mr. Lou Thorpe, 19550 Farwell Ave., noted there were nine people who
took out papers to run for City Council and stated that Mayor Anderson
took one of those people to breakfast to discourage him from running
for City Council.
Mayor Anderson explained the situation with the person noting the issue
was absenteeism.
Mr. Thorpe stated that Mayor Anderson owes an explanation to the
Community about her actions addressed earlier.
B. agenda items for adjourned regular meeting July 21:
1} Presentations concerning Expansion of Community
Library by Ripley Associates and Spencer Associates
city Manager Peacock stated the bridge on Pierce Road needs to be
addressed. He noted the Council should meet to discuss this item as
well as the Management Staff Development Plan.
The Council agreed to meet on July 21 to discuss the two items above
and to meet on the 28th to discuss the Library expansion.
C. Reports from Individual Councilmembers
Councilmember Burger reported on the West Valley Sanitation District
meeting and noted there was approval for the storm drain maintenance
program for Saratoga.
Councilmember Burger requested that discussion be held on the condition
of the Argonaut Shopping Center and would like this placed on the
agenda.
Councilmember Tucker reported on the Santa Clara County Cities
Association meeting. She noted the City will be contacted by the
Silicon Valley Arts, asking for the City~s endorsement. She also
reported on SB797. She noted there was a request to keep sending
letters to the legislator regarding budget cuts. Councilmember Tucker
noted SCCCA would like Saratoga~s position on taping some of the closed
sessions.
Councilmember Monia noted the Brown Act needs to be reviewed.
City Attorney Riback stated the District Attorney and the Grand Jury
would have access to the tapes.
City Manager Peacock stated some Cities do tape their closed session
for their own protection.
Councilmember Monia stated there should be a report on any action
taken.
Mr. Peacock stated if action is taken it is written into the minutes.
Mayor Anderson expressed concern about security of the tapes.
Mayor Anderson addressed the letter from Nick Szabo regarding the
transportation meeting.
Mayor Anderson reported on the Mayors and Managers meeting.
Councilmember Monia requested that the Planning Commission look into
the issue of accessory structures. He also requested that they address
the size of a guest house.
Councilmember Monia also noted that the problems Mr. Whetstone
encountered should have been taken care of earlier. He noted the
Council needs to discuss how they will address problems such as Mr.
~rnetstone~s.
Councilmember Monia also addressed comments made in the Grand Jury
City Council Minutes 12 ~uly 15, 1992
report regarding poor judgments and irregularities. He feels the
Council owe the General Public an explanation.
Councilmember Burger stated she made a connection between
"irregularities and poor judgments" and "weaknesses" also referenced
in the Grand Jury report. She noted that some of the irregularities
and poor judgments have been addressed by implementing the.
recommendations received from the Investigating Committee.
10. ADJOURNMENT The meeting adjourned at 11:30 p.m. to a closed
session and then to the next regular meeting of August 5, 1992
11. CLOSED SESSION
The City Council reconvened from Closed Session, having instructed the
City Attorneyto agree to join the San Jose Landfill Tax Litigation
provided it was agreed that option (i) of paragraph 5.6 of the draft
agreement between the participating citiesis accepted as the basis for
majority vote under the agreement. The City Council also instructed
the City Manager to place review of the Tract 7770 restoration plan
with the City Engineer on the agenda for the July 28th adjourned
regular meeting.
The meeting adjourned at 11:57 p.m. to 7:30 July 21, 1992.
ReSpectfully submitted,
Catherine Robillard
Minutes Clerk