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HomeMy WebLinkAbout03-09-1999 City Council Minutes MINUTES SARATOGA CITY COUNCIL TIME: Tuesday, March 9, 1999 - 7:00 p.m. PLACE: Adjourned Regular Meeting, Adult Care Center, 19655 Allendale Avenue TYPE: Adjourned Regular Meeting/Joint Meeting with Parks and Recreation Commission CALL TO ORDER - Mayor Shaw called the meeting to order at 7:04 p.m. ROLL CALL - All Councilmembers were present Parks and Recreation Commission - All members present except Commissioner Frank Friedrich Staff present: City Manager Perlin, Director of Administrative Services Walker, Director of Community Development Walgren, City Clerk Ramos, Senior Administrative Analyst Jacobs. REPORT OF CITY CLERK ON POSTING OF AGENDA Pursuant to Government Code 54954.2, the agenda for this meeting was properly posted on March 5, 1999. The Notice of Adjournment from March 3~d meeting was posted on March 4, 1999 - reported by City Clerk Ramos. 1. ORAL COMMUNICATIONS FROM THE PUBLIC ON NON-AGENDIZED ITEMS Mayor Shaw changed the order of the agenda to begin with the joint meeting with the Parks and Recreation Commission since all of the requests to speak pertain to the Playfields issue which is listed under the joint meeting. 2. JOINT MEETING WITH PARKS AND RECREATION COMMISSION Barbara Olsen, member, provided a brief introduction of the Commission members and their various assignments. She introduced Kay Whitney, Chairperson. A. Background information on current Park Development project priority list B. Community Center Renovation - Presentation of Phase I Needs Assessment by Anderson-Brnle Architects. Ms. Whitney commented on the Quimby Act, the Park Development Fund and project priority list, and introduced Jonathan Lucas and Brad Cox, representatives from Anderson-Brule Architects, who provided a summary of Phase I of the Needs Assessment for the Community Center renovation project and presented design options based on the assessment. He added that Phase II would cover construction costs for the project. He entertained and provided answers to questions from the Council. C. Wildwood Park Restrooms Sheila Ioannou provided a status report on the refurbishment and addition of restrooms at Wildwood Park and indicated that the Commission has approved a recommendation from staff to proceed with a proposal from RomTech, a contracting firm who specializes in th~s type of work. D. Playfields Project - Recommendation for continuing the process DUE TO A CONFLICT OF INTEREST~ COUNCILMEMBER STREIT REMOVED HIMSELF FROM THE DAIS. Barbara Olsen provided a summary repor~ and used overhead visual aids for her presentation. She Page 1 of 5 Minutes for City Council March 9, 1999 Adjourned Regular Meeting,' Joint Meeting with Parks and Recreation Commission added that the Commission is recommending that the property owners in each neighborhood select several spokespersons for their group who will speak on their behalf at upcoming facilitated meetings intended to streamline the next part of the process. Discussion ensued regarding a facilitator for the meetings. Ms. Olsen commented that the desire is to hire a highly recommended, professional outside consultant. Irene Jacobs, Senior Administrative Assistant, added that staff has a list of eligible candidates and will be reviewing it with the City Manager. Discussion ensued. Mayor Shaw enbouraged participation from the property owners and the community. Councilmember Mehaffey expressed concem over the proposed process for public testimony in that it may benefit only a portion of the community and may not provide a fair and accurate representation of both sides. Councilmember Baker urged the Commission to be more flexible with the process and stated that the facilitator's job is to facilitate the meeting and should have no other interest on the matter. Discussion ensued. In response to Councilmember Baker, Ms. Jacobs suggested changing the letter to the property owners to include language that if the property owners feel they are not represented, to inform staff. Mayor Shaw recognized the following persons who spoke: Peter Boulton, 12335 De Sanka Avenue, urged finding another site because of safety and traffic issues. Katie Alexander, 12340 Goleta Avenue, expressed concem over maintenance issues and suggested the City focus their efforts on maintaining existing facilities and not build new ones. · Mayor Shaw stressed that one of the key elements before proceeding with this project is to establish a maintenance agreement or program with the school districts and user groups. Bill Estes, 12301 De Sanka Avenue, expressed traffic, safety and noise concerns and objected to the City spending 1.4 million dollars on playfields. Councilmember Mehaffey verified that the 2 million dollar Park Development Fund cannot be spent on anything but parks and recreation facilities. Lisa Kurasch, 18665 Ravenwood Drive, suggested the City make this a multi-faceted project with a regional approach. She addressed the City's mission statement and urged Council to stand by it. Drew and Brenda Westcott, 18640 Ravenwood Drive, who also spoke for Mrs. Westtort, urged Council to select another site, other than Marshall Lane, that would not adversely impact the neighborhood. He commented on traffic and noise issues. Rosemary Woodward, 18620 Ravenwood Drive, commented on traffic issues and added that about 90% of the affected property owners oppose the project on Marshall Lane, while a high percentage of users may support it. Mayor Shaw commented it is the intent of Council that the process will bring together both sides. Joan Greene, 12350 Goleta Avenue, expressed safety concerns, particularly the blind comers. Frank Ammiro, 18519 Ravenwood, commented the proposed playfields on Marshall Lane will create nuisances and reminded Council of their campaign platforms. Jim Schindler, 12302 Goleta Court, endorsed the process and commented that his survey showed 90% of the property owners opposing the Azule Park proposed playfields. Page 2 of 5 Minutes for City Council March 9, 1999 Adjourned Regular Meeting/ Joint Meeting with Parks and Recreation Commission Darwin Barrett, 14050 Marilyn Lane, opposed proposed playfields on Marshall Lane and urged Council to preserve the neighborhood. Thomas Soukup, 12340 Goleta Avenue, expressed opposition. Edward Sweeney, 20018 Knollwood Drive, expressed concerns with traffic, congestion, noise and nuisance and urged Council to find another location. Deborah Colyar, 18490 Ravenwood, commented about impacting the history and heritage of the proposed park and the neighborhood. Mayor Shaw thanked the property owners for their comments. AT THIS TIME, COUNCILMEMBER STREIT RETURNED TO THE DAIS. E. Trail Grant Program - First Grant Approval Madann Swann provided background and updates on the grant program. F. CPRS Conference - Attendance report Judy Alberts reported that the conference was very helpful to her, particularly with regards to youth programs. G. Play Equipment (Kevln Moran/Gardiner Parks) Elaine Clabeaux presented the report and commented that some of the play equipment at the recent conference exhibited safety, durability and low maintenance factors. She is currently working with City staff to review various play equipment proposals. Mayor Shaw thanked the Commission for their presentation. In response to Chairperson Whitney, Mayor Shaw replied to proceed with the direction the Commission is recommending. City Manager Perlin cladfled if the direction to proceed included authorization to fund $5,000 towards architectural services with Anderson Brule Architects (ABA). Councilmember Baker expressed concern with items A and B of Section II of the ABA terms and conditions. City Manager Perlin replied that the City's boiler plate agreement stipulates otherwise and added that pages 3, 4 and 5 of the letter of agreement liom ABA will not be a part of the final agreement. BAKER/MEHAFFEY MOVED TO AUTHORIZE $5,000 FOR ARCHITECTURAL SERVICES WITH ANDERSON BRULE ARCHITECTS FOR'THE COMMUNITY CENTER RENOVATION PROJECT. MOTION PASSED 5-0. With Council's permission, Joanna Sloan invited the Council to the neighborhood task force meetings so that they can hear both sides. 3. FISCAL YEAR 1999-00/2000-01 BUDGET DEVELOPMENT PROCESS Recommendation: Accept and file this report. Mary Jo Walker, Director of Administrative Services, presented the staff report. City Manager Perlin reported on the major budget assumptions using overhead slides and Ms. Walker distributed copies of this illustration to Council and staff. Highlights of the presentation included revenues, reserve funds, indirect cost allocation, capital improvement program, Saratoga-Sunnyvale Road, staffing and the various ~mds. Discussion ensued regarding reserve funds and revenue estimates. 3. DRAFF LETTER TO COUNTY PLANNING COMMISSION EXPRESSING CITY'S POSITION ON FUTURE DEVELOPMENT/EXPANSION AT THE MT. WINERY (To be distributed later) Responding to Vice Mayor Bogosian, Mayor Shaw replied that Saratoga residents were well represented at the County meeting and it was agreed that if the new property owner can submit the Conditional Use Permit (CLIP) application by March 31st, then the County Planning Commission hg¢ 3 of 5 Minutes for City Council March 9, 1999 Adjourned Regular Meeting/ Joint Meeting with Parks and Recreation Commission can make a decision about the proposed expansion and an EIR for the site' s activities. Director of Community Development Walgren arrived at 9:25 p.m. In response to Vice Mayor Bogosian, Mr. Walgren replied that an EIR is required for the CUP process. Discussion ensued. In response to Councilmember Streit, Mr. Walgren replied that the City does not have the authority to require busing for this year' s schedule of activities, however, the City can provide comments. THERE WAS CONSENSUS OF THE COUNCIL TO FORWARD THE LETTER AS DRAFTED TO THE COUNTY PLANNING OFFICE AS SOON AS POSSIBLE. 3. CONTRACT CITY ATTORNEY SCREENING/SELECTION CRITERIA City Manager Perlin provided a copy of the list of applicants to the Council and reported that the City received a total of 14 responses. Discussion ensued regarding selection criteria to include experience in environmental, land use and labor issues, municipal, public contract and employment law, sensitivity and familiarity to current affairs in state and county levels, full service/cost effective firm, and have the ability to resolve conflicts not liftgate them. Discussion ensued regarding meeting format and process. Councilmember Streit recommended the City Manager check with City Attomey Riback for compliance with the Brown Act. There was consensus of the Council to hold the selection process for the Contract City Attomey under Closed Session subject to compliance with the Brown Act. 6. SELF-EVALUATION OF PREVIOUS MEETING: March 3, 1999 Councilmember Baker commented on the public comments received at the last meeting, regarding the Vessing Road ballot process. City Manager Perlin commented that staff has scheduled a meeting with the property owners on Thursday, March 25, 1999. 7. AGENCY ASSIGNMENT REPORTS Alternate Association of Bay Area Governments Mehaffey Chamber of Con-anerce 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 Streit Mehaffey Saratoga Business Dev. Council Mehaffey Streit Sister City Liaison Shaw West Valley Solid Waste JPA Streit Bogosian Valley Transportation Authority PAC Streit West Valley Sanitation District Baker Streit Vice Mayor Bogosian reported on discussions with the Library JPA and the North Central Flood Control Zone Advisory Board and commented that Councilmember Baker attended the County Cities Assn. Legislative Task Force on his behalf. Councilmember Baker reported on discussions with the County Cities Assn. Legislative Task Force Page 4 or S Minutes for City Council March 9, 1999 Adjourned Regular Meeting/ Joint Meeting with Parks and Recreation Commission regarding animal control and lobbying techniques. Councilmember Streit reported on his meeting with VTA PAC regarding Vesona Corridor, and SASCC. City Manager Pe~hi reported that Sheila Arthur of the Chamber of Commerce has announced her resignation and that the monthly meetings has been changed to the 4m Wednesday which is in conflict with another meeting he and the Mayor regularly attend. 8. OTHER Vice Mayor Bogosian requested staff look into a citywide Clean Up Day with Green Valley Disposal and report back to Council. Mayor Shaw and the rest of the Council concurred. Councilmember Streit requested to list agenda items for the upcoming retreat six weeks before the retreat. City Manager Pe~in requested to change the date of the retreat from April 23~ to another date. Council concurred to schedule it for May 1st. Councilmember Streit commented regarding KSAR's possibility of moving to another station. Discussion ensued regarding associated costs and contract provisions. City Manager Perlin commented the Franchise agreement with TCI addresses this. Mayor Shaw commented about the letter Council received fTom Chiis Mihoney and Batty Swenson regarding a senior housing project on Quito Road. He reminded the Council that if Mr. Mahoney and Mr. Swenson wants to meet with City Council, the matter should be placed on the City Council agenda. 9. ADJOURNMENT Mayor Shaw adjourned the meeting at 10:45 p.m. Respectfully submitted, Susan A. Ramos City Clerk Page 5 of 5