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HomeMy WebLinkAbout11-20-1996 City Council Minutes MINUTES SARATOGA CITY COUNCIL TIME: Wednesday, November 20, 1996 - 6:45 p.m. PLACE: Civic Theater, 13777 Fruitvale Ave. TYPE: Regular Meeting Closed Session pursuant to Section 54956.9 (a): - 6:45 p.m. in Administration Conference Room, 13777 Fruitvale Avenue CONFERENCE WITH LEGAL COUNSEL-EXISTING LITIGATION Name of case: San Francisco Baykeepers v. Saratoga 7:30 - Pledge of Allegiance - Led by Marlene Duffin. 1. ROLL CALL Councilmembers Present: Mayor Jacobs, Vice Mayor Moran, Councilmembers Burger, Tucker and Wolfe. Staff Present: City Manager Peacock, City Attorney Riback, and Public Works Director Perlin. 2. CEREMONIAL ITEMS - None 3. REPORT OF CITY CLERK ON POSTING OF AGENDA City Manager Peacock reported that pursuant to Government Code 54954.2, the agenda for the meeting was properly posted on November 15, 1996. 4. COMMUNICATIONS FROM COMMISSIONS AND THE PUBLIC A. ORAL COMMUNICATIONS - None B. COMMUNICATIONS FROM COMMISSIONS - None C. WRITTEN COMMUNICATIONS 1) Mayor Linde D. Server, City of covine, requesting financial support to seek redlrection of 1% of sales tax revenue from State to cities and counties In response to'Councilmember Wolfe's question concerning how Saratoga would benefit, City Manager Peacock stated that if the legislation successfully passed and was signed by the Governor, the sales tax revenue for the city would increase by about $2 million. He said that the sales tax would be distributed on a per capita basis, meaning on a basis of population of cities and counties, as opposed to where things are sold. Councilmember Burger urged the Council to spend the $500 in support of the passage of the bill. She said that Saratoga took the position to support the legislation, and the request is for donations to continue lobbying efforts to secure passage of the bill. She said she felt the City of Saratoga would benefit from the sales tax revenue and the contribution would be worthwhile. Councilmember Moran said that she was against supporting the bill. The League of California Cities has not been able to support the proposal and it has been assertively promoted by the City of Covina for the last several years before the League, and would put more pressure on communities to increase retail sales opportunities that would be taxable. She said another misgiving is that the money which would be turned to the local governments would then be money that the state does not have, and the state would eventually take it from the cities in one form or another. She said that although cities need the money, the passage of Proposition 218 has put everyone in a frustrated state and it wouldbe difficult to raise taxes; federal and state welfare reform will be increasing local costs and the cities will ultimately lose money. She said she was unable to reach Jim Cunneen to ask why he voted against the proposal. She said that she realized the City has supported the bill in the past, and that the general idea was one that merits consideration, but that she could not support this particular legislation. Mayor Jacobs said that he would vote to contribute the funds in support City Council Minutes 2 November 20, 1996 of the bill. He said he did not feel the League had done much in the last few years to return the revenue to the cities that was removed by the state. He said that to oppose it because the League and Cities opposed it was similar to saying that the city should not be spending money to get nothing, and it would encourage an increase in shopping centers and he was not convinced of the benefit of that. He said that cities over the last ten years have been pushing commercial development because they are so squeezed from revenue and the only way is through commercial development, and sales tax revenues. Mayor Jacobs said that in his estimation it would alleviate some of the pressure because it would return some of the sales tax revenues that the cities aren't getting back. He said he was in favor of Saratoga spending $500 to get back some of the money that the taxpayers pay but which doesn't come back to the city. Councilmember Tucker said it was a difficult decision, and asked if councilmember Moran was still a member of the committee. Councilmember Moran responded that she was a committee member and that it was a difficult decision because all the cities are headed toward the same goal; the cities are strapped for money, and a lot of it is state take away. Councilmember Moran said she felt it had to be done although some may feel it is not the way to proceed. She said there was a level of frustration building, and it was evident why cities such as Covina were in favor of the legislation. Councilmember Wolfe expressed concern about being involved in shopping center wars with large cities, and with Measure L the city has many things to reconsider. Councilmember Wolfe recommended that a letter be sent from the Council wishes and a handshake, but said he was not supportive of the $500 contribution. BURGER/JACOB8 THAT THE COUNCIL AUTHORIZE THE $500 CONTRIBUTION TO THE CITY OF COVINA TO CONTINUE EFFORTS IN THE 1997 LEGISLATIVE SESSION TO SECURE PASSAGE OF A BILL WHICH WOULD RETURN A PORTION OF THE 1% STATE SALES TO CITIES ~ COUNTIES ON A PER CAPITA BASIS. AYES: BURGER, JACOBS. NOES= TUCKER, MORAN, WOLFE. FAILED Councilmember Tucker echoed Councilmember Wolfe's suggestion to write a letter in support of the bill. 5. CONSENT CALENDAR A. Previously-Discussed Items - None. B. New Items 1) Plannlng Commission Actions, 11/13 - Note and file. 2) Youth Commission Minutes, 9/9; 10/7 - Note and file. 3) Parks and Recreation Commission, 10/7 - Note and file. 4) Memo Authorizing Publicity for Upcoming Hearings - Weed Abatement. S) Approval of Check Register 6) City Financial Reports for october: a) Treasurer,s Report - Receive and file. b) Investment Report - Receive and file. c) Financial Report - Receive and file. 7) Authorization for Mayor to execute Modifications to License Agreement with Chevron USA, Inc., re: Authorization to install Groundwater Monitoring Wells on City-owned Property 8) Authori~ation for City Manager to execute Quitclaim of City Council Minutes 3 November 2 0, 1996 City Interest in Roadway Easement affecting 20613 Brookwood Lane MORAN/BURGER TO APPROVE THE CONSENT CALENDAR ITEMS 5B1 THROUGH 8. PASSED 5-0. C. CLAIMS AGAINST THE CITY - None. 6. PUBLIC HEARINGS - None. 7. OLD BUSINESS - None. 8. NEW BUSINESS A. Oral Communications - None 9. ROUTINE MATTERS A. Approval of Minutes - 11/6; 11/12 MORAN/BURGER TO APPROVE THE NOVEMBER 6 AND 12 MINUTES AS SUBMITTED. PASSED 5-0. 10. CITY COUNCIL ITEMS A. Agenda items for adjourned regular meeting 12/10 1) Joint Meeting with Saratoga Area Senior Coordinating Councll 2) Joint Meeting with West Valley College Board There were no other agenda items to add. B. Master Meetings Calendar for 1997 City Manager Peacock stated that other city and county governments were informed of the meeting dates. C. Farewell Remarks from Councilmembers Burger and Tucker Councilmember Tucker thanked the citizens of Saratoga for allowing her to serve for four years as a Councilmember and 6 years as a Planning Commissioner. She said that her family moved to Saratoga 20 years ago and she fulfilled her American dream with a lovely home in a nice neighborhood, beautiful community, and excellent schools. She said she became involved in the community when Highway 85 first became an issue and she was in opposition to the freeway. Councilmember Tucker thanked her fellow councilmembers for their support and acknowledged their contributions to the City of Saratoga. She acknowledge the hard work of the City's staff and thanked them for their support. Councilmember Tucker also thanked her family for their support while she was in public office. Councilmember Burger said that she was proud of her many accomplishments to benefit Saratoga. Councilmember Burger commented on the recent election, stating that it was not unusual for its lack of focus on the real issues; creating issues where none existed; inventing crises and then failing to provide solid solutions. She said it served no purpose other than to confuse the voters, planting uncertainty and doubt where it need not exist. She suggested two approaches for Saratoga to consider that she felt would result in not only a better campaign but also better informed electorates. She said that campaigns should focus on defined issues. Forums, televised debates,, and campaign literature should address issues, not personalities. Fear tactics should be discouraged. She suggested it be accomplished by devising a pledge statement to be signed and adhered to by all candidates. Secondly, she recommended that the large spenders be discouraged. She said that despite the City Council Minutes 4 November 20, 1996 pronounced fear of political action committees and their effects on elections, there is really no evidence that time should be wasted on debating such misplaced concerns. A total amount should be allocated for each contributor whether they are a committee or individual. She suggested a cap on contributions to council campaigns of a maximum of $200, as it evens the playing field, and provides no certain candidate an advantage. In addition, it is reflective of widespread support; an encouragement for the candidate; and if the candidate then raises more than others, it proves only that he or she enjoys a wider degree of support. She said she hoped the Council taking charge on December 4th would be capable of addressing her suggestions with fairness and honesty, and she looked forward to a meaningful discussion on the subject. Councilmember Burger then thanked the community for the privilege of serving them on the City Council and Planning Commission. She thanked the staff for their professionalism and excellent work. Councilmember Burger acknowledged her fellow Councilmembers and said it was a pleasure and joy to work with them. She thanked her husband for his Support. Mayor Jacobs, Councilmembers Moran and Wolfe each thanked Councilmembers Tucker and Burger for their hard work, dedication and support to the City of Saratoga and wished them success in their endeavors. D. Other 11. ADJOURNMENT At 8:10 p.m. the meeting was adjourned to closed session pursuant to Government Code Section 54957 - PUBLIC EMPLOYEE PERFORMANCE EVALUATION: Title: City Manager 12. RECO~v~E TO OPEN SESSION At 9:45 the Mayor announced that no final actions had been taken; the closed session was continued to December 10. 13. ADJOURNMENT The meeting adjourned at 9:45 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. on Tuesday, December 3, in Civic Theater, 13777 Fruitvale Avenue, Respectfully submitted, Elizabeth Ellis~ Minutes Clerk