HomeMy WebLinkAbout01-26-1999 City Council Minutes MINUTES
SARATOGA CITY COUNCIL
TIME: Tuesday, January 26, 1999 - 7:00 p.m.
PLACE: Adjourned Regular Meeting, Adult Care Center, 19655 Allendale Avenue
TYPE: Adjourned Regular Meeting
1. ROLL CALL
The meeting was called to order by Mayor Shaw at 7:02 p.m. All Councilmembers were present..
Staff present: City Manager Larry Perlin, Director of Administrative Services Mary Jo Walker,
Director of Recreation Joan Pisani, Acting Director of Public Works John Cherbone, Director of
Community Development James Walgren, Senior Administrative Analyst Irene Jacobs and City
Clerk Susan A. Ramos.
2. CEREMONIAL
A. Introduction of new Accounting Supervisor - Ray Galindo
City Manager Perlin introduced Ray Galindo and provided a brief backgrotmd of Mr. Gallndo and
his new role.
3. REPORT OF CITY CLERK ON POSTING OF AGENDA
Pursuant to Government Code 54954.2, the agenda for this meeting was properly posted on
January 22.
Reported by City Clerk Ramos.
4. ORAL COMMUNICATIONS FROM THE PUBLIC ON NON-AGENDIZED
ITEMS
Mayor Shaw recognized the following persons who spoke regarding the proposed Playfields.
The following persons spoke in opposition addressing traffic, safety and quality of life concerns:
1. Darwin Barrett, 14050 Marilyn Lane - requested removal of Marshall Lane School fi'om the list
for the proposed Playfields and submitted a letter of opposition to the City Clerk.
2. Frank Ammiro, 18519 Ravenwood Drive - opposed Playfields at Marshall Lane School
3. Therese Ammiro, 18519 Ravenwood Drive - opposed Playfields at Marshall Lane School
4. Lisa Kurasch, 18665 Ravenwood Drive, opposed Playfields at Marshall Lane School.
5. Patricia Steinfurth, 18606 Ravenwood Drive, opposed Playfields at Marshall Lane School.
6. Jim Detrich, 18558 Ravenwood Drive, opposed Playfields at Marshall Lane School.
7. Robert Kahn, 18471 Ravenwood Drive, opposed Playfields at Marshall Lane School.
8. Jocelyn Kahn, 18471 Ravenwood Drive, opposed Playfields at Marshall Lane School.
9. Stan Sloan, 14041 Marilyn Lane, opp6sed Playfields at Marshall Lane School.
10. Ellen Marshall, PO Box 3191, opposed Playfields at Marshall Lane School and requested a
written response to their petition and an explanation as to why their group was not allowed to
speak at the Task Force meetings.
Mayor Shaw reiterated that the process will allow the public an opporttmity to provide public
input about the proposed projects.
11. Joanna Sloan, 14041 Marilyn Lane, opposed Playfields at Marshall Lane School.
12. Joan Greene, 12350 Goleta Avenue, opposed Playfields at Blue Hills/Azule location due to a
blind street curve that could create a hazard.
13. Thomas Soukup, 12340 Goleta Avenue, opposed Playfields at Blue Hills/Azule location.
14. James Kastelman, 12298 Goleta Avenue, opposed Playfields at Blue Hills/Azule location.
15. Radu Barsan, 14182 Sobey Meadows Court, opposed Playfields at Marshall Lane School.
16. Dorene Kastelman, 12298 Goleta Avenue, opposed Playfields at Blue Hills/Azule.
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Minutes for City Council January 26, 1999
Adjourned Regular Meeting
17. Eunice Peterson, echoed the comments of Mrs. Marshall and asked why the City Council is
spending time on a project that is adverse to the community.
The following persons spoke in support:
1. Kathy Hogen, Principal of Marshall Lane School, supported the Playfields at Marshall Lane
school She commented that the school is working on a plan to help address the concems of the
neighbors and invited parents and neighbors to participate in this plan.
2. Jayne Sounenschein, 239 Plaza La Posada, supported Playfields at Marshall Lane School,
commenting that this is a community issue and to look at the big picture.
3. Bernadette Frager, 714 Bicknell Road, Los Gatos, supported Playfields at Marshall Lane
School, commenting that this is an oppommity to receive assistance and suggested to consider a
compromise.
4. Larry Fine, AYSO Regional Commissioner, supported Playfields at Marshall Lane School and
requested that traffic issues be addressed.
5. Phil McCarthy, 18566 Martha Avenue, supported Playfields at Marshall Lane School and
requested that traffic issues be addressed.
6. Tom Davis, 18613 McFarland Avenue, supported Playfields at Marshall Lane School and
thanked the Task Force for a good plan. He stated that public schools deserve public access.
7. Anne Matteini, 18696 Aspesi Drive, supported the Playfields at Marshall Lane School and
agreed that there is a traffic concern.
8. Lynne Dickerson, 155 Old Adobe Road, president of Quito League, supported the Playfields at
Marshall Lane School and agreed that there is a traffic concem.
9. Mark Linsky, 14240 Barksdale Court, supported Playfields at Marshall Lane School and
requested that traffic and safety issues be addressed.
Mayor Shaw thanked the public for their comments. There being no comments from the Council,
Mayor Shaw moved to the next item.
5. QUARTERLY FINANCIAL STATUS REPORT TBROUGIt DECEMBER 31, 1998
Director of Administrative Services Walker presented the staff report.
Discussion ensued.
Councilmember Bogosian requested additional information on the proposed purchase of fumiture
for the Planning Department.
Ms. Walker clarified that the requested requisition is to replace old, unsafe fumiture and file
cabinets and deferred additional comments to James Walgren, Director of Community
Development.
Director of Community Development Walgren explained that the proposal is to purchase 9
workstations and the funding will come fi'om the Development Services Fund revenue.
Councilmember Bogosian requested staff to prepare a detailed explanation and description of the
proposed furniture upgrade.
Councilmember Mehaffey asked for additional information on the City' s Y2K efforts.
Ms. Walker commented that a detailed report will be prepared for Council review.
Discussion ensued regarding Y2K issues.
Councilmember Baker expressed concem ove~: the City's ability to be Y2K compliant in 11
months.
Discussion ensued.
Councilmember Mehaffey requested staff to prepare a report with detailed cost breakdown for the
proposed fumiture upgrade and Y2K project.
BAKER/MEHAFFEY MOVED TO ACCEPT THE M1D-YEAR FINANCIAL REPORT AND
DEFER THE ADOPTION OF THE RESOLUTION MAKING ADJUSTMENTS TO THE FY
1998-99 FINANCIAL PLAN TO THE FEBRUARY 9, 1999 ADJOURNED REGULAR
MEETING. PASSES 5-0.
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Minutes for City Council January 26, 1999
Adjourned Regular Meeting
6. QUARTERLY PROGRAM AND MAJOR PROJECT REVIEW
A. City Manager's Office:
1) Recruitment and Reorganization Issues
2) City Council Policy Manual
3) ALTRANS Project Update
City Manager Perlin commented that the above activities are summarized in the memo dated
January 22 which is provided.
B. Community Development Department:
1) Circulation Element Update
2) General Plan Executive Summary
3) Adult Business Ordinance
4) Major Development Projects Update
5) Saratoga Union School District Expansion Projects
In response to City Manager Perlin, Community Development Director Walgren elaborated on item
5 - the Saratoga Union School District expansion projects.
Discussion ensued regarding notification process.
Mr. Walgren commented that the School District is the lead agency and they would process the
notification requirements. The City has reviewed the initial study which is available to the public.
Upon receipt of comments from the Heritage Preservation, Planning and Public Safety
Commissions, and the City Council, those comments will be incorporated into a response letter to
be sent to the School District which he will prepare.
In response to Councilmember Bogosian, Mr. Walgren stated that this item will not be a public
hearing, however, the Council may receive public comments under Oral Communications.
Mr. Walgren added that today he received notification from the School District that a joint meeting
with City Council may be scheduled in the near future to discuss this matter.
City Manager Perlin asked if Council agreed with the schedule proposed in Mr. Walgren's
memorandum. Council concurred.
C. Administrative Services Department:
1) FY 97-98 Year-End Audit Update
2) MIS Update including Y2K Efforts
3) 5-Year Financial Plan
No discussion.
D. Public Works Department:
1) Capital Projects Update
a. Quarry Creek Wetlands Mitigation (Project 9109)
b. Quito Road Bridge Replacements (Project 9111)
c. ADA Improvements (Project 9302)
d. Quito Road Sidewalk (Project 9501)
2) Park Development Projects Update (Project 9704)
a. Playfields Development
b. Wildwood Park Restrooms
c. Kevin Moran/Gardiner Park Improvements
d. Trail Improvements
e. Heritage Orchard Water Well
3) Saratoga Avenue Underground Utility District
4) Hakone Caretakers House Renovation
5) Prides Crossing Traffic Study
6) Infrastructure Report - CIP Development
7) Pavement Management Program Work
Minutes for City Council January 26, 1999
Adjourned Regular Meeting
8) Saratoga-Sunnyvale Road (TEA 21 Project & ReHnquishment efforts)
9) FEMA Disaster 1203 Repair Projects
City Manager Perlin expressed concern over having adequate staff to work on projects that will '
receive Measure A and TEA-21 funds.
Mr. Perlin commented that a status report on the Prides Crossing traffic study will be presented at
the joint meeting with the Public Safety Commission on February 9, 1999.
In response to Councilmember Bogosian, Mr. Perlin replied that certain criteria exists to screen
future occupants at the Hakone Caretakers House.
E. Recreation Department:
1) Warnet Hutton House Attic Conversion
2) Civic Theatre Lighting System Renovation
3) Community Center/Senior Center Renovations
4) Civic Theatre Renovation
Director of Parks and Recreation Joan Pisani provided a summary of projects listed in the memo
provided.
Councilmember Baker requested staff look at improving the sound system in the Civic Theater,
particularly for the Council to better hear speakers from the floor.
7. STAFF PRESENTATION ON STATUS OF PLAYFIELD TASK FORCE EFFORTS
Senior Administrative Analyst Irene Jacobs expressed thanks to all who participated and provided
assistance on this project. She provided background information about the project and pointed out
that nine months ago Council directed staff to resolve the maintenance issues at existing and
proposed sites to support the proposal to build additional playfields. Additionally, Council directed
staff to form a task fome consisting of representatives fi'om user groups, the Parks and Recreation
Commission, a consultant and staff for the purpose of resolving these issues. The Parks and
Recreation Commission will have its first meeting on February 1, 1999 to receive recommendations
from the task force addressing these issues. The public is invited to attend this meeting and
property owners within a 500' radius of the proposed sites have been notified. She deferred
additional comments to Barbara Olsen, Chair of the Parks and Recreation Commission and the
Playfield Task Force.
Ms. Olsen provided a chronological series of events liom the project's inception in 1990 to its
present status and proposed future scheduling of events. She commented that the Parks and
Recreation Commission will not make any recommendations without the City reviewing traffic,
safety and other issues of concern. She introduced the consultant, Jaye Beats, who provided a
comprehensive oral presentation to Council and illustrated four (4) proposed plans, one for each
site. The sites are Marshall Lane School, Blue Hills/Azule, Foothill School and Congress Springs
Park.
Questions and answers were exchanged between Council and the consultant to include costs, work
improvements, location, parking, circulation, traffic, site condition, restrooms, liability,
ma'mtenance and joint agreements.
Discussion ensued.
With Council's permission, Ms. Hogan, principal of Marshall Lane School, responded that the
current enrollment in the school's daycare program is 70. The school's plan to add modulars is to
meet.the State's mandate requiring a minimum number of students per classroom. It is not to
increase daycare enrollment.
In response to Councilmember Streit, Administrative Analyst Jacobs replied that the original
allocation for playfields from the Park Development fired was $1 million out of the current fund
balance of $2.5 million. She distributed copies of additional correspondence received by staff fi'om
the public conceming this project, to Council for their review.
With Council's permission, Ms. Castleman requested a copy of the report from Barbara Olsen
summarizing the project's chronological series of events and requested that the property owners be
represented by one of its own at future task force meetings.
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Minutes for City Council January, 26, 1999
Adjourned Regular Meeting
Mayor Shaw replied that the task force will be presenting their recommendations to the Parks and
Recreation Commission on February 1, 1999 and announced that the public is invited to attend this
meeting. He also noted that the task fore had completed its work and that no further meetings are
planned at this time.
With Council's permission, Janet Shimer, Covina Court, expressed opposition to the Playfields in
Blue Hills voicing safety and parking concerns and added that the property owner of the large
orchard abutting the school was promised many years ago that no structure would be constructed
there, however, that is not the case now.
There being no further discussion on tins matter, Mayor Shaw thanked staff, the Commission and
Mr. Beals for their presentation. Mayor Shaw called a recess at 11:03 and reconvened the meeting
at ll:10p.m.
8. REVIEW OF DRAFT ORDINANCE REGARDING PROPOSED NEW SEWAGE
DISPOSAL REGULATIONS
City Manager Perlin presented the staff report and commented that a copy of the ordinance with
current chan~es was distributed to Council this evening for their review.
Councilmember Streit suggested discussing this matter at the next Council meeting when City Arty.
Riback is available.
Councilmember Bogosian commented that he will not be attending the February 3~a meeting.
City Manager Perlin suggested bringing the ordinance back for introduction at the Council meeting
of February 17~h since City Arty. Riback will not be attending the February 9th meeting.
Discussion ensued to consider a shorter time frame to abandon properties that are close to the creek
and to address financial hardsinp circumstances.
Councilmember Baker commented that he would support the conversion program as long as there
is no adverse impact to residents with limited financial means.
Council concurred to schedule the first reading and introduction of the ordinance on February 17m.
9. SELF-EVALUATION OF PREVIOUS MEETING: January 6 and January 20
Cmmcil concurred they were good meetings.
10. AGENCY ASSIGNMENT REPORTS
Alternate
Association of Bay Area Governments Mehaffey
Chamber of Commerce Board Shaw
County Cities Assn. Leg. Task Force Bogosian Baker
County HCD Policy Committee Mehaffey
Emergency Planning Council Baker Mehaffey
Hakone Foundation Liaison Shaw
KSAR Community Access TV Board Mehaffey Baker
Library Joint Powers Agency Bogosian Streit
Cent. Flood Cont. Zone Adv. Bd. Bogosian Mehaffey
Penin. Div., League of Cal. Cities Bogosian Shaw
Santa Clara Valley Water Commission Baker Bogosian
Santa Clara County Cities Assn./
City Selection Committee Baker
SASCC Liaison SUreit Mehaffey
Saratoga Business Dev. Council Mehaffey Streit
Sister City Liaison Shaw
West Valley Solid Waste JPA Sizeit Bogosian
Valley Transportation Authority PAC Sizeit
West Valley Sanitation District Baker Streit
Councilmember Mehaffey reported on discussions of the Saratoga Business Development Council
(SBDC) regarding parking concems for the proposed Eagle wing theater and status of the Argonaut
and Gateway shopping centers.
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Minutes for City. Council January 26, 1999
Adjourned Regular Meeting
Councilmember Bogosian reported discussions of the Library JPA regarding adjustments to the
budget and reduction in meetings held by the Citizens Advisory Committee.
Councilmember Baker reported on discussions of the Emergency Planning Council regarding Y2K;
the Santa Clara County Cities Assn/City Selection Committee discussion regarding a vacancy to fill
the remaining term of former Councilmember Gillian Moran on the Bay Area Air Quality
Management District. If any of the Council is interested, applications will be available at their
meeting next month; and, the West Valley Sanitation District regarding a pilot project in Saratoga
to mitigate groundwater infiltration in the sewer system.
Councilmember Streit reported on discussions of SASCC, the West Valley Solid Waste JPA which
participated on a tour of the Green Valley Recycling Center, and the VTA PAC.
Mayor Shaw commented that in his absence, Councilmember Bogosian attended the dedication
ceremony of the Hakone Gardens Caretaker' s House, which was a success.
11. OTHER
Councilmember Bogosian proposed that the Councilmembers evaluate and review the applications
for the City Attorney recruitment. Following discussion, majority of Council concurred as long as
a criteria of qualifications is established after all the applications are received. Mayor Shaw and
Councilmember Streit suggested that the City Manager be included in the evaluation review
process.
City Manager Perlin commented that the preparation and mailing of the applications is_ being
handled by Administrative Analyst Lori Burns.
Councilmember Mehaffey recommended the Council adopt a resolution supporting the
preservation of the Eucalyptus trees at Saratoga Elementary School. Council concurred to direct
staff to prepare a resolution and bring it back for adoption.
Councilmember Mehaffey asked about enforcing the prohibition of neon signs in the Village area
and Mr. Perlin replied he would have Director of Community Development Walgren look into the
matter and report back to Council.
City Manager Perlin announced he will not be attending the February 3~a meeting due to a
scheduling conflict. He will be in Monterey at the League City Manager's meeting. Community
Development Director Walgren will staff the Council meeting in his absence.
12. ADJOURNMENT
Mayor Shaw adjourned the meeting at 11:38 p.m.
Respectfully submitted,
City Clerk
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