HomeMy WebLinkAbout09-23-1997 City Council Minutes MINUTES
SAFATOGA CITY COUNCIL
TIME: Tuesday, September 23, 1997 - 5:15 p.m.
PLACE: Adult Care Center, 19655 Allendale Avenue
TYPE: Adjourned Regular Meeting/Joint Meeting with Saratoga Union
School District and Los Gatos-Saratoga High School District
Closed Session - Administration Conference Room, 13777 Fruitvale Avenue
Pursuant to Government Code Section 54957.6: CONFERENCE WITH LABOR
NEGOTIATOR - 5:15 p.m.
Agency negotiator: Liebert, Cassidy & Frierson
Employee organization: Saratoga Employees Association
CONFERENCE WITH LEGAL COUNSEL-ANTICIPATED LITIGATION - 6:00 p.m.
Possible initiation of litigation pursuant to subdivision of Government
Code Section 54956.9 (c) in one case.
Mayor's Report on Closed Session - The Mayor reported that no actions
had been taken at the closed session.
1. Roll Call - 6:15 p.m.
Councilmembers Bogosian, Jacobs, Shaw, Wolfe and Mayor Moran were
present. Also present were Interim City Manager Perlin, Administrative
Services Director Fil, City Attorney Riback, and Deputy City Clerk
Cory.
2. Report of City Clerk on Posting of Agenda
Pursuant to Government Code 54954.2, the agenda for this meeting was
properly posted on September 19. The notice of adjournment from the
September 17 Council meeting was properly posted on September 18.
3. Review of Recommended Painting Schemes for Civic Theater and
community Center (this portion of the meeting to be held in back
of Civic Theater, 13777 Fruitvale)
A representative of Spencer AssOciates explained the reasoning for
choosing each of the six color schemes presented. Warren Heid,
architect for part of the original City Hall complex, explained why the
buildings were originally painted in subdued, woodsy tones.
Councilmembers and members of the public examined the color schemes
and discussed the merits of each.
CONSENSUS TO CHOOSE PALETTE #3, WITHTHE DARKER BROWN ASTHEMAIN COLOR
AND THE LIGHTER BROWN AS THE TRIM, WITH TURQUOISE AS AN ACCENT COLOR.
CONSENSUS TO DIRECT STAFF TO REQUEST BIDS UP TO $3,000 FOR PAINTING OF
THE REDWOOD SIDING AND VERTICAL SIDING OF CITY HALL, INCLUDING THE
ADMINISTRATION WING, IN THE SAME COLOR SCHEME.
The Council then proceeded to the Adult Care Center for the remainder
of the meeting. In addition to previous staff members noted,
Recreation Director Pisani was present.
4. Oral communications from the Public on Non-Agendlzed Items -
None.
5. Joint Meeting with School Districts - 7:00 p.m.
Saratoga Union School District Board members present were President
Stephanie Petrossi, Peggy. Koen, Cynthia Chang, Jill Hunter, and Cindy
Ruby, as well as Superintendent Mary Gardner; Los Gatos-Saratoga High
School District Board members present were President Ron Adolphson,
Robert Allen, Nancy O. Crampton, Jackie Schmidt-Posner, and Lorrie
Wernick, as well as Superintendent Cindy Ranii.
Captain Robert Wilson and Deputy Ted Atlas of the Sheriff's Department
were also present.
A. Update on Altrans Trip Reduction Project - City Council
Ron Kirsch presented information as to the Altrans Trip Reduction
City Council Agenda 2 Sept~m~er 23, 1997
Project and answered questions from Councilmembers. The Project has
many facets, including encouraging the use of bicycles by
schoolchildren. It may also be possible this school year to provide
vans for use as shuttles by schoolchildren.
Captain pointed out that a portion of COPS funding had been used for
bicycle safety programs.
B. School District Updates
1. Saratoga Union school District Building Program- SUSD
The proposed building program, which had become possible as a result
of the bond issue, was explained.
2. Goals and Objectives - LGSUHSD
President Adolphson explained that the district may attempt a bond
issue this spring. Other issues facing the district are diversity and
cheating.
3. Closed Campus for Juniors and Seniors - LGSUHSD
The Board and' Council discussed the reasoning for having a closed
campus for freshmen and sophomores and the possibility of extending it
to juniors and seniors.
There was consensus to form a committee look at this question, to be
chaired by Councilmember Jacobs and to include Captain Wilson,
President Adolphson, Principal Skelly, and Superintendent Ranii.
C. Opportunity for School Utilization of Local Public Access
Television Facilities - City Council
Interim City Manager Perlin reviewed the facilities and equipment which
may be utilized by schools. He noted that Redwood Middle School had
prepared a videotape of school news with the assistance of KSAR. Mayor
Moran urged the schools to take advantage of the program by contacting
Tessa McGoldrick, Community Access Coordinator for KSAR.
D. School Resource Officer Program for 1997-98 - City Council
Deputy Atlas reviewed the program and answered questions. Captain
Wilson noted that a third SRO is planned to be added in Cupertino.
E. Update on Joint Parks and Recreation Projects - City
Council
Interim City Manager Perlin reviewed current projects, noting that the
top priority need is playfields and athletic fields.
Residents expressed concern about various issues, including traffic
resulting from playfield use and the impact of new portable classrooms
on playfields.
Larry Fine, Regional Commissioner for AYSO, expressed a willingness for
AYSO and LIttle League to pay for a portion of playfield maintenance
in order to improve safety at Congress Springs Park.
Interim City Manager Perlin explained the Park Development Fund and how
much could be used for school'playfields.
Rob Piper, President of the Girls Softball Association, was pleased at
the availability of the funds.
Jennifer Crotty, Parks and Recreation Commissioner, invited anyone
interested in participating on the issues to attend Commission
meetings.
F. County Committee on School District Organization - Mutual
Interest
Lengthy discussion took place, with extensive participation by members
City council Agenda 3 Sept~mber 23, 1997
of the audience. Superintendent Ranii pointed out that a standing
committee of- the County Board of Education is studying the school
district boundary question. Their data will be made public in
November.
Some members of the audience believed that all students living in
· Saratoga should go to Saratoga schools, or that there should be a
single district covering all of Saratoga. Others believed that the
current situation was satisfactory, and changing the district
boundaries could have undesirable impacts. Others felt that the
residents of Saratoga should be polled. Some encouraged the Council
to take a position on the issue or be involved in the process in some
way.
Since there were so many interested citizens present, Councilmember
Wolfe took the opportunity to announce that several vacancies on City
commissions existed. He encouraged anyone interested to apply.
G. Library EXpansion PrOject - City Council
Interim City Manager Perlin reviewed the proposed expansion of the
library.
Mayor Moran noted that each school district might want to appoint a
liaison to the Library Expansion Committee.
Friends of Warner Hutton House Non-Profit Corporation -
City Council
Recreation Director Pisani noted the success of the teen program and
reviewed the fundraising efforts of the corporation.
President Adolphson, speaking as a member of the corporation board,
stated they would bring a long-range plan to the Council soon.
I. Future Meeting Schedule - Mutual Interest
There was consensus to continue to schedule regular yearly meetings
with the school districts.
Mayor Moran recessed the meeting at 9:15 p.m. The meeting was
reconvened at 9:30 p.m. with the same Councilmembers present.
6. Self-Evaluation of Previous Meeting (Sept. 3 and 17) - Continued
to October 7.
7. Council Reports
A. Agenoy Assignment Reports
Because of the late hour, the Council agreed to postpone all but urgent
reports to October 7. The following reports were presented.
Emerqencv Preparedness Council - Mayor Moran, Chair of the Emergency
Preparedness Council, asked the Council to consider endorsing a
resolution concerning formation of an Operational ARea Council.
JACOBS/WOLFE MOVED TO AUTHORIZE STAFF TO ENDORSE RESOLUTION BY LETTER
TO EPC CHAIR. Passed 5-0.
Library Joint Powers Aqencv - Councilmember Bogosian noted that the
Citizens Advisory Committee was to vote on Library access to the
Internet.
Ed Sessler and Marcia Manzo of the Library Commission spoke against any
restrictions on access to the Internet. They noted that the Markkula
Center for Applied Ethics was preparing a report for the Joint Powers
Authority, which is to be ready October 5.
Various Councilmembers expressed opinions either favoring or opposing
restrictions. After extensive discussion, there was consensus to take
no position until further information was available.
City Council Agenda 4 September 23, 1997
B. Discussion concerning Appointment of Alternate
Representatives to Agency Assignments - Postponed to
October 7.
C. Resolutlon amending Resolution 85-9.105 authorizing
permanent positions in City Service for FY 97-9S (continued
from 9/17)
BOGOSIAN/JACOBS MOltED TO ADOPT RESOLUTION 85-9.105. Passed 5-0.
D. Reports from Councilmember Wolfe:
1) Letter to Congressman Campbell re= implementation of
EPA air quality regulatlons~
Councilmember Wolfe stated he had written the letter opposing
implementation because he felt it was important to be proactive,
especially in a situation where increased regulatory costs could be a
burden on Saratoga.
Considerable discussion took place regarding the appropriateness of
individual Councilmembers writing letters. City Attorney Riback stated
that in most of the cities he was aware of, use of City letterhead was
allowed if it was clear that the opinion was that of one person, not
the entire Council.
Concerning letters written by individual Councilmembers, there was
consensus to either use personal stationery or to place a disclaimer
in the letter stating that the Councilmember was speaking as an
individual and not for the entire Council. Copies of such letters
should be provided to the rest of the Council.
2) Meeting with Assemblyman Cunneen re= PG&E service
issues.
councilmember Wolfe reported on the meeting, stating that it had been
productive. PG&E representatives believed that E1 Nino would not
affect Saratoga greatly.
Councilmember Jacobs recalled that PG&E had committed to have a
representative present in the City Emergency Operations Center in the
event of an emergency. Interim City Manager Perlin stated that PG&E
had indeed made that commitment and will be expected to comply.
8. Other
Community Library Exterior Paint - There was consensus to approve the
slightly lighter, warmer brown paint sample. Mr. Perlin was directed
to write a letter to the County approving the chosen paint color. The
letter will include a notation, to be written by the City Attorney,
that the approval does not-prejudice the City~s ability in the future
to require that the siding be completely replaced. Acknowledgement of
receipt of the letter and agreement to its contents is to be received
before any paint is applied.
SaratoGa Creek Matters -
As to letters from Dean Kirk and Rhea Williamsongs attorney,
Councilmember Bogosian requested that they be agendized for the
October 1 meeting with a report from staff as to whether Dr.
Williamson had been hired as a legal expert. Mr. Perlin stated that
he would distribute to the Council copies of Dr. Williamson's
contract and her declaration in connection with the Baykeepers
' lawsuit. Any Councilmember who wishes could then contact the City
Attorney directly to interpret the contract.
As to the data from UCAP, Councilmember Shaw requested that they be
agendized at a regular meeting as soon as possible. Mr. Perlin
stated that in order to have a meaningful discussion of the data,
UCAP needed to interpret it. They could not do so until October 21
at the earliest. He pointed out that the Council could also discuss
the letter from Sam Mitchell concerning signs on the creek at the
same meeting. Mr. Perlin will provide a copy of Mr. Mitchell~s
City Council Agenda 5 September 23, ~997
letter to Councilmember Bogosian.
Absence- Councilmember Jacobs noted that he would be on vacation from
October 1 to 20.
Commercial Rentals - Councilmember Wolfe asked that commercial
customers be given special consideration in the Planning Department on
a trial basis. Mr. Perlin said he would speak to the Community
Development Manager about the possibility. There was consensus for the
.staff to investigate and report back to the Council. Mayor Moran
commented that residents may need to become accustomed to the fact that
the City has a small staff.
Town Hall Meetinq October 11 - Mayor Moran asked if anyone had any
topics to suggest for this meeting. Councilmembers Jacobs and Bogosian
will be out of town, as will Mayor Moran. There was consensus to
cancel the meeting.
Commission Forum - Mayor Moran expressed an interest in having a forum
where commissioners and residents could get together. There was
consensus to have each commission place the idea on its agenda and
report back to the Council.
Leaque of California Cities Resolutions - Mr. Perlin noted that the
League had information about resolutions to be discussed at the annual
conference. All Councilmembers apparently have the information except
Councilmember Bogosian, who will be given a copy. Mayor Moran, the
voting delegate, stated she usually voted in accordance with the
committee recommendations.
City Manaqer Recruitment - Mr. Perlin stated that the recruiter has
sent a packet of information on the candidates to each Councilmember
in preparation for the closed session October 1. Any Councilmember who
does not receive it is to notify Mr. Perlin.
School District Boundaries - Councilmember Shaw suggested having a town
meeting on this subject. There was no consensus to do so.
9. Adjournment
The meeting was adjourned at 11:30 p.m.
Respectfully submitted,
Grace E. Cory
Deputy City Clerk