HomeMy WebLinkAbout12-20-1995 City Council Minutes MINUTES
SARATOGA CITY COUNCIL
TIME: Wednesday, December 20, 1995 - 7:30 p.m.
PLACE: Civic Theater, 13777 Fruitvale Avenue
TYPE: Regular Meeting
Pledge ofAllegiamce
The meeting was called to order at 7:30 p.m. Councilmembers Burger,
Moran, Tucker, Wolfe, and Mayor Jacobs were present.
Staff present: City Manager Peacock, Public Works Director Perlin, City
Attorney Riback, Community Development Director Curtis, and Finance
Director Fil.
2. CEP. NMONIAL ITEMS - None.
3. REPORT OF ClTY CLEREONPOSTING OF AGENDA
Pursuant to Government Code 54954.2, the agenda for this meeting was
properly posted on December 15, 1995.
4. COMMUNICATIONS FROM CONMISSlONSI~BDTn~ PUBLIC
A. OI~L COMMUNICATIONS (limited to 15 minutes)
Mr. John Power, 12150 Krlsty Lane, Saratoga, addressed the Council. He
stated he was a resident of Saratoga for 25 years, and was a scientist
and engineer with extensive expertise in event evaluation.
Mr. Power discussed the letter sent by the City Council to the Public
Utilities Commission (PUG) and the newspaper coverage of interviews.
He said he believed that the letter and the interviews were
inappropriate, unfair and inaccurate. He stated his frustration and
said he was incensed by the letters and interviews because he felt they.
were basically bureaucratic protest relative to an event still
underway. He said he felt that some of the accusations and
implications expressed in the letter were inaccurate and might have
represented a certain portion of Saratoga. There may have been a
concern about the outage and the return to power, but theletter was
written in the midst of the severe storm and he questioned why someone
would write such a letter at that particular time. Mr. Power said the
letter referred to permanent outage and power loss which was not the
case. He pointed out that his home did not experience any outage, nor
some of his neighbors.
Hr. Power noted observations of the recent storm: (1) The storm was
severe and widespread but yet shortllved~ there was warning ahead of
time~ it was well tracked over the news media and weather station3 the
storm was a difficult, tough storm, and was widespread into-the large
municipal areas of San Francisco. (2) There has been a series of recent
adverse weather environmental conditions in the last six years such as
an earthquake, three winters, three drought winters, major fires,
floods and storms. He said the power during those times was reliable.
In s~mmary, Mr. Power requested that the information used as a basis
for the writing of the letter be made available to him. He said he
felt that the Council owed PG&E an apology and the people of Saratoga
a better communications system in the future.
Mayor Jacobs responded that he, not the entire City Council, was
responsible for writing the letter to the Public Utilities Commission.
He explained that the PUG would investigate the recent outages and
would decide if the complaints were justified. He said he felt it,
appropriate that the PUG make the decisions about the actions taken.
Mayor Jacobs pointed out that the letter was written when the stormwas
over. Mayor Jacobs said he felt there was no reason to apologize to
PG&E or to the citizens of Saratoga.
COuncilmember Wolfe reported that he, like Mr. Power, did not lose
power outage in his home. Me said he felt the letter sent was a
responsible response by a leader in a position to know the needs of a
City Council Minutes 2 December 20, 1995
large n-mher of Saratogans who were in need at the time. The quick
action prevented more damage and disruption of household outages.
B. COMMUNICATIONS FROM COMMISSIONS - None.
C. WRITTEN COMMUNICATION8 - None.
5. CONSENT CJ~LEND]UI
A. Previously Discussed Items - None.
B. New Items
l) Planning Commission Actions, 12/13 - Note and file.
2) Public Safety Commission Minutes, 11/13 - Note and file.
3) City Financial Reports for November:
a) Treasurer~s Report - Receive and file.
b) InveStment Report - Receive and file.
c) Financial Report - Receive and file.
4) Approval of Check Register.
5) Final Acceptance end Notice of Completion for Saratoga-
s,,-~vale Road Improvements, Capital Project
Resolution MV-221 Implementing Various Minor Parking
Restrictions (including those authorised at 12/6 meeting
on Paseo Presada across fromEl ~uito Park).
7) Resolution 95-57of SummaxTVacation of a Portion of Street
Might of way (Fruitvale Avenue).
S) Resolution 95-45.1 Amending Resolution 95-45 Appointing
Council Representatives to agencies in Accordance with
Council Discussion 11/21/95.
9) Resolution 95-30.07Amending 1995-96Budget - Packard Grant
end Nelson Property
TUCKER/BURGERAPPROVE CONSENT eat~NDARITEIi8 5B, 1-9. PASSED 5-0.
C. CLAIMS AGAINST i'm CITY - None.
Mayor Jacobs moved the agenda to Item 7B.
7. B. NoratorlumOrdinence on Cellular Antenna Sites.
City Manager Peacock reviewed the background of the item as outlined
in the staff report. Councilmember Moran asked if the moratorium
represented a pause in the planning process to allow the City Council
to regroup to study the issue further. She questioned the length of
the moratorium. Mr. Peacock stated that the moratorium period was
dependent upon the complexity of the issue and noted that it should not
take more than 6 months. He explained that staff would review the
policy issues and make recommendations to the Council in terms of the
policy rather than craft an ordinance.
In response to a question from Councilmember Burger, City Attorney
Riback explained that State law provides two options for adopting an
interim urgency ordinance. The first option is to adopt an urgency
ordinance which would go into effect immediately for the period not to
exceed 45 days. Within the 45 days, the City Council would have to
hold a public hearing in order to extend the 45 day perlodl the
extension would be over a period of 10 months and 15 days and the total
time period of one year. The 10 month, 15 day period could then be
extended for a period of one year by a third 4/5 vote by the Council.
Mr. Riback summarized the options asz (1) taking action at the next
City Council meeting, adopting an urgency ordinance on a 4/5 vote that
lasts the maximum 45 daysl within that time period a public hearing
City Council Minutes 3 December 20, 1995
might be held during which the.City Council would decide whether to
extend the 45 day period for another 10 months and 15 days, which would
also require · 4/5 vote. (2) The second option is similar, to have a
public hearing occurring first in order to adopt an ordinance which
would then be in effect only for 45 days after which a second public
hearing would be required in order to extend the ordinance for 22
months and 15 days. Mr. Riback recommended the first option which calls
for a public hearing within a 45 day period.
Councilmember Wolfe stated the moratorium was an elaborate process for
a measure that could possibly be under discussion for a period of time.
Discussion continued regarding the complexity of the moratorium,
wherein staff answered questions.
Mr. Riback explained that City Council could have the ordinance apply
to all applications, whether by permitted use or offlcial use permit,
or have the ordinance apply only to discretionary approval permits.
TUCKER/MOP~NTOADOPTOPTIONNO. I FOR aNURGENCYMO!iATORI~MORDIMANCE
ON CELLULAR A~ BITE8 FOR CONSIDERATION AT ~A~OARY 3, 1996,
MEETING. PASSED S-0.
6. PUBLIC ~XP/NG - S:00 p.m.
A. Ordinance changing Speed Zone Designations on S~ratoga
Avenue and Quito Road (first reading and introduction).
Public Works Director Perlin reviewed the background of the item as
outlined in the staff report. He summarized the recommended changes
in speed limits' at three locations in Saratoga.
In response to a question from Councilmember Moran, Mr. Perlin
explained that the survey included approximately 15 streets, end the
three specific locations were identified as having established speed
limits in the city code that differ from the speed limit recommended.
in the survey.
Mayor Jacobs opened the public hearing at 8:06 p.m. As there were no
requests to speak, the public hearing was closed.
MOPa3//BURGER TO INTRODUCE Tat~ ORDINANCE BY TITLE ONLY, WA~wiNG FUn'rareR
READING. PASSED S-0.
7. OLD BUBIMEBS
A. Report on Initiative Petition regarding General Plan
Amendments and Resolution Calling Election for March
1996.
City Manager Peacock explained that there were three staff reports
relative to the proposed initiative which would require voter approval
of changes to the General Plan with respect to various residentlal and
open space designations. The three reports included a report from the
Community Development Director on zoning land use issues relatlve to
the inltiative~ a report from the City Attorney discussing the legal
issues$ and a report from the City Manager relative to the financial
issues.
Mr. Peacock reviewed the four recommended actions as outlined in the
staff report.
City Attorney Riback explained the legal issues relative to the
proposed measure, as outlined in the memorandum from his office.
Discussion followed wherein Mr. Riback answered Councilmembers'
questions. He stated that the City and State were in dispute relative
to the City's housing element being in compliance with state law. Mr.
Riback explained that the housing element is a set of goals, objectives
and policies. If the City has adopted those goals, objectives and
policies and believes they are in compliance with state law, but the
state agency does not agree, they cannot be implemented until the state
agency advises that it is in compliance with state law.
City Council Minutes · December 20, 1995
A lengthy discussion followed wherein staff answered Councilmembers'
questions.
Community' Development Director Curtis reviewed the General Plan
Amendments, history of the General Plan Map, potential GPA and zone
change applications subject to an initiative, as outlined in the staff
report. He explained the report in detail and anSwered Councilm~mhers'
questions.
In response to a question from Councilmember Burger, Mr. Riback stated
that the resolution language would be part of the ballot language.
A discussion ensued regarding the report on procedural decisions on the
initiative petition. Councilmember Burger requested that staff
investigate the statement that there is no provision for any person'or
group other than the City council and the proponents to write arguments
and rebuttals for anlnltlatlve petition. Mr. Riback said he could not
speculate at this point and would investigate further, noting that the
City Council was the only body allowed to provide opposing arguments.
Discussion continued regarding the report on procedural decisions on
initiative petition. Mr. Peacock recommended that the City Council
designate two members to compose the argument, which is due in the
Clerk's office by ~anuary 5.
Councilmember Moranquestloned if a large parcel of property zoned
residential were to be rezoned commercial, would staff be unable to
advise the Council on that matter, or would it have to go to a vote to
the Planning Commission. Mr. Riback explained that the issue that would
presented to the voters would be whether or not a General Plan land use
redesignation would take place. He said it may involve a pro~ect that
also requires design review, subdivision map, conditional use permit,
etc. He said there would be certain limitations but all the other
approvals, while consistent with the General Plan land use
redesignation voted upon, would still in some way be acted upon. Mr.
Curtis continued his presentation and answered questions.
Mayor ~acobs opened the public hearing for public input. -
Mr. ~eff Schwartz, Saratoga resident, stated that he would not present
an argument for the initiative, but wished to comment on. the legal
analysis and present the Council with areas in which a legal report was
submitted. Mr. Schwartz said he would respond to the City Attorney's
report to the City Council concerning legal issues raised by the
Saratoga Neighborhood Preservation Initiative. He said that under
legal issues raised under the initiative, deception begins with an
analysis of whether the initiative would require a vote of the people
before the city could consider both processes. He said most of Mr.
Riback~s and Mr. Curtis' remarks were based on that assumption. Mr.
Schwartz pointed out what he considered to be inaccuracies in the
report. He stated that the Planning Commission and City Council should
fully consider an application and then place it on the ballot only if
it is permitted through currently existing procedures. Mayor Jacobs
requested a copy of the letter Mr. Schwartz was reading, stating it was
difficult for the Council to digest the volume of information being
presented. Mr. Schwartz indicated he would give the Council a copy of
the letter.
In response to a question from Councilmember Tucker, Mr. Schwartz
stated that he was questioning the legal issues, and that he also took
the initiative to contact the City of Nape who has a similar
initiative. He presented a copy of the City of Napa,s resolution which
it passed following a vote which states specifically that (1) In 1991,
Nape decided vote regular process of course, and if approved put the
vote to the people~ and (2) Nape voted to have the developer pay for
the cost of the election. He pointed out that it can be done
effectively, as shown in other locations.
Mr. Riback pointed out that there were substantial differences between
the Saratoga initiative and the Nape County initiative. He stated that
in the Nape County initiative it actually states that whenever the
board adopts an amendment requiring approval by a vote of the people
City Council Minutes 5 December 20, 1995
pursuant to the provisions of this subsection, the board action shall
have no effect until after such a vote is held and majority of the
voters vote in favor. That clearly established a process in Napa
County. Mr. Riback stated that Mr. Schwartz was correct~ that is what
takes place in Napa County because that is what the initiative
specifies. Mr. Riback pointed out that this initiative is silent in
the issue of process.
Councilmember Tucker suggested that speakers submit written material
to the Council before the meeting, which would allow the Councilmembers
time to read the material and digest the information prior to the
meeting.
Mr. Jim Stuart, 19149 Allendale Avenue, Saratoga, read a letter to the
City Council which refuted information presented to the City Council
in December of 1995 in the form of memorandums from the Community
Development Director and the City Manager. He alleged that the
memorandums contained significant misstatements and substantial
omissions and said that the City Manager and Community Development
Director did not understand the initiative. He said that in reality the
initiative will simply do the job of the current General Plan and
current zoning ordinances. The initiative will introduce an extra
level of protection for residents of the community. He pointed out
that it is the same General Plan and zoning ordinance that the Council
has been working with since being elected. He said the initiative will
introduce an extra level of protection for community residents for
certain tlrpes of changes to be made to the General Plan and zoning
ordinances. The initiative will bring the property rights back to the
individual homeowners and prevent high density developments.
Mr. Stuart stated that the City Manager's memo which states that the
same potential for lltlgatlon exists with this initiative as was the
case in 1980 with the hillside initiative was incorrect. Almost all
the hillside initiative litigation concerned a retroactivity clause,
and Mr. Stuart pointed out this initiative was not retroactive. He
said the 1980 hillside initiative was so successful that the City
Council extended its provision to cover all of Saratoga's hillside
rather than just the northwest hillside as the initiative testified.
Also the hillside initiative has changed the standard for development
of hillside land so the developer or owner in many cases is entitled
to fewer lots under the initiative than would have been the case
without the initiative. Mr. Stuart continued his presentation
regarding the initiative.
Mayor Jacobs stated that a decision had to be made whether or not to
put the initiative on the ballot. He asked if there was agreement with
the proposition that since both Mr. Schwartz and Mr. Stuart both
disagreed with the staff report, there appears to be clearly a
disagreement about the interpretation of the law and the thing for the
Council to do is to put it on the ballot to allow time between now and
when a decision is made for people to find out what the true facts are.
A discussion ensued regarding theguldelines for putting the initiative
on the ballot.
Ms. Marcia Fariss, 18983 Saratoga Glen Place, addressed the Council and
urged adoption of the Neighborhood Preservation Initiative. She urged
adoption of the initiative rather than placing it on the March 1996
ballot. She said that calling a special election is costly to the city,
and explained that placing the initiative on the upcoming primal7
election ballot was less costly. Ms. Fariss stated that the cost of
a special election for the initiative could be more wisely spent for
support of the teen center, senior center and the library. She said she
felt costs for special elections mandated by the initiative when
developers request rezoning should be borne by the developer. That
procedure is commensurate with the Napa County ordinance. Therefore
from the fiscal point of view it would be better to adopt the
initiative now~ adoption would also save the initiative opponents as
well as proponents thousands of dollars.
Speaking to the second reason for adopting the initiative now, Ms.
Fariss referred to the Council's stated desire to be responsive to its
electorate. She said that the signatures of more than the required 15%
City Council Minutes 6 December 20, 1995
of the registered voters were collected in the short period of time
which speaks for the concern that Saratogans have for its future
development. She said it was obvious through the rapid collection of
signatures that 8aratogans want more direct control of their city's
development. Ms. Farlss said that adoption of the Neighborhood
Preservation Initiative would demonstrate the commitment both through
fiscal responsibility and to Saratogan's concern regarding all future
development. For those reasons, she urged adoption of the initiative.
Mayor Jacobs asked Ms. Fariss if, when the petitions were signed,
people were promised that the initiative would be put on the March
ballot so they would have the opportunity to vote. He again questioned
if the opponents were informed they would have the opportunity to
debate the initiative. Ms. Fariss responded no, stating that at the
time it was not known whether or not enough signatures would be
gamered for the March ballot. She stated that she did not speak with
any opponents.
Following Ms. Fariss' response, Mayor Jacobs read a portion of a letter
sent October 11 from Ms. Fariss to the Saratoga Mews. "One might be
justified'in suspecting that some opponents are afraid to allow
saratoga voters to exercise their right to vote for or against this
initiative. Certainly the initiative deserves to be discussed,
debated, analyzed, and examined. Once qualified for the March ballot,
there will be plenty of time for those processes to occur, let~s debate
when it counts.-
Mayor Jacobs questioned whether it was unfair for most people that Ms.
Farlss made the representations to that tonight she was at the Council
meeting telling the Council to deprive them of the opportunity to
debate.
Ms. Fariss explalned that the quote was merely a response to letters
publlshed in the newspaper. She said she did not tell anyone directly
and did not understand how it would prevent debate.
Mayor Jacobs pointed out that Ms. Fariss had asked the people to wait
until it quailfled so that it could be debated between now and March
and some people could vote on it in March. Mayor Jacobs said that the
people should be given the opportunity to do what was promised them.
He pointed out that there were not any opponents present and no full
debate had taken place. Ms. Fariss responded that she felt there was
significant debate publlshed by the Saratoga News and san Jose Mercur~
Mews.
Councilmember Burger pointed out that Ms. Fariss had just requested
adoption of the initiative, which was in direct contradiction to the
letter referred to.
Mr. Victor Monia, 14665 Granite Way, compared the meeting to the 1980
Measure A hillside initiative debate. He suggested that the benefits
of the initiative be considered and not only negative aspects. Mr.
Monia stated that one of the benefits of the initiative was that it
took the ebbs and flows out of development changes.
Mr. James Shaw, 18735 Kosich Drive, said that he appeared before the
Council at a previous meeting and urged adoption of the initiative as
an ordinance. He explained that he had a total belief in the product
but had trouble in finding the magic phrase of the concept that would
open minds and hearts to receive the message that the Neighborhood
Preservation Initiative delivers. The clear and overwhelming message
is that residents want their neighborhoods to remain essentially as
they are now, and noted for the record not to increase density or
intensity. Borrowing a phrase from Mr. Riback, Mr. shaw said that it
appeared the intent is clear and simple~ people of good will can work
out the rough edges with minimum disruption. He said the Council had
an ad hoc committee to lead the movement in Saratoga to retain the
neighborhoods as they now are.
Councilmember Moran suggested that the Council act at the meeting to
place the initiative on the ballot so that everyone in Saratoga can
vote on it. when placed on the ballot, Councilmember Moran stated that
she would urge saratogans to vote against the initiative because she
City Council Minutes 7 December 20, 1995
was committed to preserving and protecting Saratoga as an attractive
low density community and the initiative would harm the community in
two ways. She explained that the initiative promises to detail Senior
housing in Saratoga indefinitely. Senior housing is much needed in
Saratoga. Supporters of the initiative want to block a proposal for
senior housing which is the last available link in saratoga for senior
housing. Councilmember Moran stated that the initiative effectively
hijacks the planning process in saratoga.
Councilmember Moran stated that the initiative backers want to
substitute a costly and c-mhersome and continuing ballot system on land
use issues; they want to substitute that for a process that already
works. She stated that if citizens are not pleased with the land use
decisions made by council members, the citizens should vote in new
council members.
Councilmember Moran urged the Council to put the initiative on the
ballot, stating she would oppose it.
Councilmember Burger concurred that she felt the initiative should be
placed on the ballot, stating that she would urge Saratogans to vote
against the initiative. She concurred with Councilmember Moran's
comments and corrected the statement that the election would cost
$50,000; pointing out that the election would cost about $6,000.
Councilmember Burger stated in addition that the measure has been
presented to the community as an anti-growth measure; however, she said
it was more akin to anti-neighborhood. Neighborhood control will in
fact be lost if the initiative is approved because the majority of the
Saratoga residents may not share concerns and desires of the individual
neighborhoods. The entire community will vote on what goes on in one
neighborhood and the majority of the residents of the community may not
care that commercial development occurs next to Kinko's on Saratoga
Avenue. For the majority of Saratogans, it would not represent a great
concern to them, but the additional tax revenue that may come from that
may represent something desirable to them. Certainly the residents of
that neighborhood will have lost control of the decisions for that
neighborhood. she stated that the Saratoga Councils have had extremely
sensitive response to neighborhood issues in that respect. She cited
the exemples of the Councll rejection of the Home Depot proposal and
commercial development on the Koslch property on Saratoga Avenue.
Councilmember Tucker said she could understand why there might be
support for the initiative because on the surface it appears like a
good idea. She said she opposed the initiative because it was
c-mhersome, unnecessary and expensive; and the council was Very
sensitive to the needs of the community and will continue to be
sensitive to the community. councilmember Tucker noted that the
process in place allows everyone to voice their views and get the best
decisions possible.
Councilmember Wolfe said that he was sensitive to the issue and felt
it was a sad day for Saratoga when so many have been "snookered" by a
few selfish residents, in many cases using false statements, to
persuade slgnln the initiative that is by design aimed at sacrificing
senior citlzensv shelter. He said he had confidence in Saratogans that
they would make the right decision, to reflect, study and arrive at the
truth concerning the initiative, and vote in favor of retaining control
of their neighborhoods, by rejecting the initiative at the polls.
Mayor Jacobs said at this point he was less troubled at the nature of
the initiative. He said it was clear from the discussions held that it
was not agreed what the impact would be and for that reason alone it
would be prudent to place the initiative on the ballot. Mayor Jacobs
remarked that it was ironic that people who are insisting they don't
trust the Council to make important decisions, and they feel the
decisions should be put to the public vote but are asking the Council
to take away from the public the right to vote on them. He said he
felt it was not consistent. Ms. Fariss was not the only one who
promised that the initiative would be on the ballot, but also Mr. Shaw
did so in a letter to the Saratoga News. Mayor Jacobs pointed out,
that at a minimum, if proponents were going to be consistent and fair
to the public they need to agree with the Council, that if they told
the public it was going to be on the ballot and they would have a right
City Council Hinutes 8 December 20, 1995
to vote on it, the public should have the opportunity.
Mayor Jacobs reiterated that he was troubled by some of the things that
have been said in support of the initiative. A recent example is the
letter from Hr. Shaw to the Hercury News wherein he stated that
,,Residents do not want more projects with 3300 square foot homes, with
7500 square foot lots, crammed in 94 strong, on Saratoga Avenue next
to Highway 85. The City Council agreed to that project beceuse the
developer threatened to walk away if forced to abide by typical
Saratoga residential density rules.,: Hayor Jacobs pointed out that if
people were told that, they were misinformed because those involved in
the process, including some of the most vocal supporters of the
initiative, know verywell that it was the tremendous pressure from the
community in support of the project. He said that the implication is
clear that the City Council caved into pressure. Hayor ~acobs stated
that neighborhood people as well as people from other neighborhoods
supported the project.
Mayor ~acobs expressed concern that some of the petition gatherers were
told that if they did not like what was built on the Paul Hasson site,
they should vote for the initiative because it would prevent that kind
of thing from happening again. He felt this was contradictory to the
concept that the initiative would provide neighbors with what they
want. Re stated that he would like the community to have the time to
bring the facts into the open for debate. Re pointed out that if the
community has the opportunity to examine the facts, it would be aware
that the Council does not always vote against what the neighbors say
they want. Me recommended the initiative be put on the ballot so that
the public Could have the opportunity to debate the initiative.
MORAN/BURGER TO T~KE RECOMMRMOED ACTION TO RECeive ]LMD FILE REPORTS.
PASSED 5-0.
M~RAN/BURGER TO ~OPT RESOLUTION 95-58 CIkLLING FOR SPECIAL ELECTION ON
MARCH 26, 1996. PASSED 5-0.
MORAN/WOLFE TO BEND 'ftus M~kBUR~ TO ~tus CITY ATTORNEY FOR TMI~RRTIAL
AFALYSIB. PASSED 5-0.
MORAN/BURGER TO DEBI-r~daTE Tn~ MAYOR AND VICE MayOR TO WRITE
aRGUMeNT AGAINST 'x'~s WRz~URE AND REBUT 'fee ASGUarRMT IN FAVOR OF
MXRRURE.
PASSED 5-0.
Mayor ~acobs declared a recess at X0:00 p.m. The meeting reconvened
at 10:17 p.m. with the same Councilmembers end staff present.
8, haw BUSINESS
A. O~ml Communications (continued) and instructions to staff
regarding actions on cttrrent oral communications.
Hr. Peacock provided an update on the storm activities and response
actions taken by work crews on December ll and 12. He reported that
approximately 59 overtime hours were involved on storm related issues,
Costing about 51900. He reported that a total of 6000 residences in
Saratoga were without power during the storm and that the crews
/ continued to keep updated with PG&E through Friday, December 15.
Peacock reported on the operations of the Emergency Operations Center
during. the storm.
~ discussion ensued regarding PG&E'S communication system during the
storm. ~r. Peacock reported that City staff remained in close contact
with local PG&E staff on maintenance activities and utilized city
communication systems to remain in contact with PG&E and the community
when PG&E communication systems failed. He stated that he would
propose to continue to work with PG&E to get them to use their
resources in the city to work more effectively in amergency situations.
B. Resolution Rescinding Resolution approving Tentative
Cancellation of Williamson Act Contract ~elative to
Property at 20851 Saratoga Rills Road (Nelson Garden).
City Council Minutes 9 December 20, 1995
City Attorney Riback reviewed the memorandum which outlined the
settlement agreement reached. He reported the settlement agreement
called for dismissal of litigation in return for the rescinding of
resolution adopted May 17, 1995, as well as payment of attorney fees,
paid partially by the city, Trinity Development and the Community
Foundation.
In response to Councilmember Burger's question, Mr. Riback stated that
an enviroumenta~ impact report has been prepared and the draft EIR was
being circulated. He explained that the draft EIR covers not only the
subdivision map issue, rezoning issue, General Plan amendment issue,
but also covers the cancellation of the Willlamson Act contract. Mr.
Riback said that the question of whether or not to approve a tentative
cancellation of the Williamson Act contract will be presented to the
Council again.
Councilmember Burger summarized that the action taken would be to
rescind the tentative approval for the purpose of addressing the
concerns that were voiced regarding the Cpuncil's previous approval.
The issue would be considered again but with additional information as
requested by Friends of Nelson Gardens. Mr. Riback confirmed the
explanation of the action to be taken. Councilmember Burger stated
that it was important for community members to understand that the
action is simply not an action to rescind tentative approval, but that
the issue will be reviewed once again with more information.
Mayor ~acobs clarified the action was needed to handle technical issues
in terms of how the application was received, stating that they would
be handled differently.
BURGER/TUCKER TO ADOPT RESOLUTION 95-59 RESCINDING Tn~ RESOLuTXON
APPSOVING Tn~ TEIFTATxv8 CANCELT,~TION OF TIIE WIL~TIMRON ACT CONTRaCT.
Pi~JiSED 5-0.
C. Adoption of Performance Standards in connection with the
Cityes Store Water Management Program.
a) Standards for Industrial/Commercial Inspection Program.
b) Standards for Illicit Connection and Illegal Dumping
Identification and Elimination Activities.
Public Works Director Perlin reviewed the staff report relative to
performance standards that would be presented to the Council over the
next twelve months for consideration and adoption relating to control
measures that the city is obligated to performunder the reissued NPDE5
permit. Mr. Perlin explained that the City of Saratoga cooperates with
the other West Valley cities through a ~olnt stormwater management
program, because it shares many similarities.
Mr. Perlin reported that the performance standard for the
industrial/commercial inspection program envisions using the Saratoga
Fire District inspection program to perform the nonpoint source
inspections that need to occur for certain targeted facilities such as
gas stations, restaurants, and dry cleaning establishments. Other
existing inspection programs utilized in the city by other agencies
would serve to supplement the primary inspections that would be carried
out by the Saratoga Fire District. The city would be responsible for
following up on any violations noted by the Fire District inspectors.
Mr. Perlin explained that proposed standard contemplates identifying
and eliminating illicit connections and illegal dumping through the
routine storm drain cleaning and maintenance activities that the city
performs.
Referring to the overhead chart, Ms. Kelly Carol, Program Coordinator
for West Valley Cities, explained the program and the process followed,
and answered Councilmembers' questions.
BURGER/MORaN TO ~DOPT PERFORCE STANDARDS IN CONNECTION WITH 'x'an
CITYsS STORNWA~RI~N~GKqxmNT PROGIt~N. P~SED 5-0.
~ brief discussion followed regarding cost benefit analysis.
City Council Minutes 10 December 20, 1995
BUP~ER/NOP~tN ~N~NDED NOTION TO ADOPT PB]tFOI~NANC~ STANDARDS IN
CONNECTION WITH 'r~ CITY*8 STORNFATHR wm~fa~x~T PRO~Paa, WITH COST
BENEFIT ANaLYSIS. PA~SED
The Council directed the City Manager to prepare a letter to the
Regional Water Quality Control Board expressing concern about the
cost/benefit.
D. Cable Television Franchise - Recluest for Transfer of
Ownership.
MORAN/TUC~ERTOCONTIN~IE ITENTOFEBRUARY 21, 1996. PaM]SHD
E. Memo Xuthorising Publicity for Upcoming Hearings. - None~
publicity for Butler Appeal on 1/3/96 has already been
authorized.
City Manager Peacock provided a brief update.
9. ROUTINE NA.x-f~RB
A. Approval of N~nutes - 12/6/9S and 12/12/95.
MORAN/BURGHRAPPROVEMIbu=~S OF 12/6/95AND12/IS/95NEETINGS. P~SSED
10. CITY COUNCIL IT~NR
A. Agenda items for joint meeting With Mbrary Commission 1/9/96.
Councilmember Moran expressed interest in communicating with the
Library Commission about the possibility of utilizing the Internet and
telecommunicatlons systems available. She expressed concern about the
library cooperating with the seniors in various areas, which was
discussed with the seniors at a recent meeting.
Councilmember Moran requested an update on the after school usage of
the library.
Abrief discussion followed .regarding library funding.
B. Other.
Councilmember Moran discussed the possibility of holding a City Council
,,town hall,, meeting on the Saratoga High School campus on March
1996, at lunch time.
Councilmember Burger discussed a packet recently received from
O'Rorke which was put together for interested parties in applying for
the Public Safety Commission. She suggested that City Council
recommend that each commission develop a similar packet for applicants.
There was a brief discussion about Planning Commission vacancies and
interviews.
11. Adjournment
,. Mayor Jacobs adjourned the meeting at 11:27 p.m.
Respectfully submitted,
Elizabeth Elli~
Minutes Clerk