HomeMy WebLinkAbout02-07-2001 City Council Minutes MINUTES
SARATOGA CITY COUNCIL
February 7, 2001
The City Council of the City of Saratoga met in Closed Session, Administrative
Conference Room, 13777 Fmitvale Avenue at 5:30 p.m.
Public Employee Performance Evaluation (Gov't Code 54957)
Title: City Attorney
Conference With Legal Counsel - Existing Litigation:
(Government Code section 54956.9(a))
Name of case! City of Saratoga v. Hinz (Santa Clara County Superior Court No.
CV-784560)
Conference With Legal Counsel - Anticipated Litigation:
Significant exposure to litigation (Gov't Code section 54956.9(b): (1 potential
case).
Initiation of litigation (Gov't Code section 54956.9(c): (1 potential case).
Conference with Real Property Negotiator ' Property: 18870 Allendale Avenue
Negotiating Parties: City of Saratoga/Serbian Eastern Orthodox Church
Under Negotiation: Instructions to negotiator regarding price and terms and
payment for real property lease.
MAYOR'S REPORT ON cLOSED SESSION - 7:05 p.m.
Vice Mayor Streit reported there was Council discussion but no action was taken.
Vice Mayor Streit called the Regular Ci[y Council meeting to order at 7:06 p.m. and lead
the Pledge of Allegiance.
ROLL CALL
PRESENT:
Evan Baker, Stan Bogosian, Ann Waltonsmith,
Vice Mayor Nick Streit
ABSENT:
ALSO PRESENT:
Mayor John Mehaffey
Dave Anderson, City Manager
Richard Taylor, City Attorney
Cathleen Boyer, City Clerk
Mary Jo Walker, Director of Administrative Services
City Council Minutes
February 7, 2001
John Cherbone, Director of Public Works
Irwin Kaplan, Interim Director of Community
Development
REPORT OF CITY CLERK ON POSTING OF AGENDA FOR
FEBRUARY 7, 2001.
Cathleen Boyer, City Clerk, reported that pursuant to Government Code Section 54954.2,
the agenda for the meeting of February 7, 2001 was properly posted on
February 2, 2001.
COMMUNICATIONS FROM COMMISSIONS & PUBLIC
None
COMMUNICATIONS FROM BOARDS AND COMMISSIONS
None
WRITTEN COMMUNICATIONS
None
ORAL COMMUNICATIONS
The following people spoke at tonight's meeting:
Agnes Gregorian, 18867 Montewood Court, addressed the need for affordable housing
for teachers who serve the City of Saratoga. Ms. Gregorian requested that the Council
hold a special meeting to discuss this issue. Ms. Gregorian also noted that she has
collected a lot of data that indicates what other municipalities are doing to address this
issue and has surveyed all teachers in Saratoga Union School District.
Vice Mayor Streit informed Ms. Gregorian that this topic was scheduled for the March 7
City Council meeting.
Dave Anderson, City Manager, suggested that this issue be addressed at an Adjourned
Meeting, perhaps on March 27, 2001.
Councilmember Baker asked if they plan to include people who had concerns other than
Saratoga Union Elementary School District.
Ms. Gregorian responded that at this point only people in Saratoga Schools were
contacted to address this problem'.
Ching-Li Chang, 19486 Burgundy Way, responded to Councilmember Baker's question.
Ms. Chang noted that-all teachers who serve Saratoga residents, at schools within
Saratoga city limits, should be included and affordable housing made available to all
public servants.
Consensus of the City Council to address this issue on the March 27, 2001 adjourned City
Council meeting.
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City Council Minutes
COUNCIL DIRECTION TO STAFF
None
February 7, 2001
CEREMONIAL ITEMS
None
CONSENT CALENDAR
The Consent Calendar contains routine items of business.' Items on this section will be
acted in one motion unless they are removed from the Consent Calendar.
lA.
APPROVAL OF COUNCIL MINUTES OF:
JANUARY 17, 2001- REGULAR MEETING
STAFF RECOMMENDATION:
Approve submitted minutes.
Councilmember Baker pulled Item lA from the Consent Calendar.
Councilmember Baker noted that on page 3, item # 2A, should indicate that
Councilmember Bogosian pulled this item from the Consent Calendar not
Councilmember Baker.
Councilmember Bogosian requested that on page 14, item #7, the following be
added; "Councilmember Waltonsmith urged ALTRANS should contact the
City if they run up against any problems with the schools not willing to
participate in the program."
Councilmember Bogosian requested that on page 19, under Council Items,
replace "statistical information" to "only statistical information".
Councilmember Bogosian requested page 18, item #11, replace "use of
Christmas lights" to "long term use of Christmas lights"'
Councilmember Waltonsmith requested that on page 19, under Council Items,
the following be replaced: '
· "all bus stops" to "major bus stops"
· "in the elements" to "out in the elements"
BAKER/WALTONSMITH MOVED TO APPROVE MINUTES OF
JANUARy 17, 2001 CITY COUNCIL MINUTES AS AMENDED.
MOTION PASSED 4-0 WITH MAYOR MEHAFFEY ABSENT.
lB.
REVIEW OF CHECK REGISTER
STAFF RECOMMENDATION:
Approve the check register.
CouncilmemberBogosian pulled Item lB from the Consent Calendar.
City Council Minutes February 7, 2001
Councilmember Bogosian questioned the payment for unscheduled traffic
signal maintenance with the City's contractor, Signal Maintenance.
John Cherbone, Director of Public Works, responded that the charges are for
time and material.
Councilmember Baker asked Director Cherbone when was the City going to
perform all the traffic signal maintenance.
Director Cherbone responded that the City does perform most of the
maintenance throughout the City, except for various quarter and half
intersections, Big Basin Road, and Highway 85.
Director Cherbone also indicated that at the next City Council meeting,
Council would have a chance to vote on a new traffic signal maintenance
contractor as a result of a recent RFP.
Councilmember Bogosian questioned the payment to West Valley College for
$912.00 for printing letterhead and business cards. Councilmember Bogosian
asked if the City had a contract with West Valley College for this service.
Mary Jo Walker, Director of Administrative Services, responded that the City
does not have a contract with them, but when Staff requested quotes a few
years back, they were the cheapest.
BOGOSIAN/WALTONSMITH MOVED TO APPROVE THE CHECK
REGISTER. MOTION PASSED 4-0 WITH MAYOR MEHAFFEY
ABSENT.
lC.
REVIEW OF PLANNING COMMISSION ACTION MINUTES
STAFF RECOMMENDATION:
Note and file.
BAKER/BOGOSIAN MOVED TO NOTE AND FILE PLANNING
ACTION MINUTES. MOTION PASSED 4-0 WITH MAYOR MEHAFFEY
ABSENT.
OLD BUSINESS
COMPETITIVE SALARY SURVEY RESULTS
STAFF RECOMMENDATION:
Accept results of survey; approve resolution; approve changes to MOU's.
TITLE OF RESOLUTION: 85-9.126
RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF
SARATOGA AMENDING A MOU BETWEEN THE SARATOGA
EMPLOYEES ASSOCIATION, FURTHER AMENDING RESOLUTION
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City Council Minutes February 7, 2001
NO. 85-9 AS AMENDED, ADJUSTING SALARIES AND BENEFITS
FOR NON-MANAGEMENT EMPLOYEES
TITLE OF RESOLUTION: 85-9.127
RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF
SARATOGA AMENDING A MOU BETWEEN THE SARATOGA
MANAGEMENT ASSOCIATION, FURTHER AMENDING
RESOLUTION NO. 85-9 AS AMENDED, ADJUSTING SALARIES AND
BENEFITS FOR MANAGEMENT EMPLOYEES
TITLE OF RESOLUTION: 01-008
RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF
SARATOGA MAKING APPROPRIATION ADJUSTMENTS TO THE
FT 2000\01 BUDGET
Dave Anderson, City Manager, presented staff report.
Mr. Anderson reminded Council that last fall they directed staff to begin a
salary survey comparing the City of saratoga's salaries to neighboring cities.
The City authorized Geoffrey L. Rothman and Associates to perform
competitive salary survey using eight comparable cities. Based on population,
proximity to Saratoga and size and/or form of government, the cities that were
selected to survey were Los Altos, Menlo Park, San Carlos, Cupertino, Los
Gatos, Morgan Hill, Campbell, and Newark.
Mr. Anderson indicated that the survey process began immediately, and
consisted of contacting each of the eight cities to receive their salary ranges for
each of the positions, which that City uses. The top of the range was used for
cOmparison purposes. After the raw data was collected and compiled, the
salary ranges for six of the eight cities were reduced by 7% to be comparable
to Saratoga because salaries in the remaining two cities are higher because the
employees pay their own PERS.
Mr. Anderson summarized the results noting that Saratoga pays at or above the
survey average for only five out of forty positions surveyed. Director Walker
mentioned that Saratoga's monthly salary was lower than each of the eight
cities surveyed.
Mr. Anderson indicated staff recommends that the new salary ranges become
effective February 3, 2001, 'which is the first day of the current pay period.
Councilmember Baker asked why the City of Newark was considerably higher
than all the other cities included in the survey.
Mary Jo Walker, Administrative Services Director, explained that Newark is at
the top end with the cities that Saratoga compared to but the City of San Carlos
was not too far behind Newark. Director Walker noted that Newark's salaries
were even reduced 7% because the employees pay their own PERS.
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City Council Minutes February 7, 2001
Councilmember Waltonsmith asked when the City of Saratoga is fully staffed
how much money will come out of the General Fund with these rate increases.
Director Walker responded about $33,000.00 will have to be allocated for rate
increases.
BOGOSIAN/WALTONSMITH MOVED TO ADOPT RESOLUTION
AMENDING A MOU BETWEEN THE SARATOGA EMPLOYEES
ASSOCIATION, FURTHER AMENDING RESOLUTION NO. 85-9 AS
AMENDED, ADJUSTING SALARIES AND BENEFITS FOR NON-
MANAGEMENT EMPLOYEES. MOTION PASSED 4-0 WITH MAYOR
MEHAFFEY ABSENT.
BAKER/WALTONSMITH MOVED TO ADOPT RESOLUTION
· AMENDING'A MOU BETWEEN THE. SARATOGA MANAGEMENT
ASSOCIATION, FURTHER AMENDING RESOLUTION NO. 85-9 AS
AMENDED, ADJUSTING SALARIES AND BENEFITS FOR
MANAGEMENT EMPLOYEES. MOTION PASSED 4-0 WITH MAYOR
MEHAFFEY ABSENT.
BAKER/WALTONSMITH MOVED TO ADOPT RESOLUTION OF THE
CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF SARATOGA MAKING
APPROPRIATION ADJUSTMENTS TO THE FY 2000\01 BUDGET.
o
MOTION PASSED 4-0 WITH MAYOR MEHAFFEY ABSENT.
Councilmember Bogosian noted that he fully supports the results of the salary
survey.
PROPOSED ORGANIZATIONAL AND STAFFING CHANGES
STAFF RECOMMENDATION:
Accept report; approve resolution; approve changes to MOU's.
TITLE OF RESOLUTION: .01-009
RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF
SARATOGA MAKING APPROPRIATION ADJUSTMENTS TO THE
FY 2000/01 BUDGET
TITLE OF RESOLUTION: 85-9.128
RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF
SARATOGA AMENDING A MOU BETWEEN THE CITY AND THE
SARATOGA EMPLOYEES ASSOCIATION, FURTHER AMENDING
RESOLUTION 85-9 AS AMENDED, ADJUSTING SALARIES AND
BENEFITS FOR NON-MANAGEMENT EMPLOYEES.
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City Council Minutes
TITLE OF RESOLUTION: 85-9.129
February 7, 2001
RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF
SARATOGA AMENDING A MOU BETWEEN THE SARATOGA
MANAGEMENT ASSOCIATION, FURTHER AMENDING
RESOLUTION NO. 85-9 AS AMENDED, ADJUSTING SALARIES AND
BENEFITS FOR MANAGEMENT EMPLOYEES
· Dave Anderson, City Manager, presented staff report.
Mr. Anderson noted that this report reflected a combination of miscellaneous '
organizational changes to improve customer service and efficiency and cut
current staff workloads.
Mr. Anderson briefly summarized the proposed changes in the Community
Development Department:
Reclassify the Senior Inspector to Building Official.
· Add a third Building Inspector.
· Add an Associate Planner.
· Broadband the existing Plan Check Engineer position to allow the
position to be filled at a lower Plans Examiner if a qualified applicant
cannot be found at the Engineering level.
Mr. Anderson noted that the .funding for these Positions are available from
. bUilding Permit revenue, which are higher than budgeted so far this year.
Mr. Anderson briefly summarized the organizational changes in the City
Manager's Office with the intent of establishing a level of support appropriate
for coordinating numerous policy-level issues and special projects:
· Create an Assistant City Manager position.
· Eliminate the Senior Analyst position and one of the two Analyst
· positions in the City Manager's Office.
· Transfer an Analyst from the City Manager's Office to the Public
Work~ DePartment.
Mr. Anderson noted that the savings from eliminating the two positions offset
the cost of the Assistanf City Manager position. Additionally, the possible
replacement of the Administrative Services Director at a lower step will realize
additional savings.
Mr. Anderson noted that it would cost $137,000.00 for the changes in the
Community Development Department, which will be covered by
Building/Planning Development fees. The City Manager's Office changes
will be at no cost to the City due to the elimination of one Administrative
Analyst which credits the City Manager's Office $3,800.00.
Vice Mayor Streit noted he fully supports the organizational changes, which
will better serve the community.
City Council Minutes February 7, 2001
Councilmember Baker questioned what duties would the Assistant City
Manager perform.
Mr. Anderson responded that the proposed Assistant Manager's position would
supervise the Economic Development Coordinator and would be able to work
on special projects assigned by the City Manager.
Councilmember Bogosian noted he supported this position indicating that it
would increase the responsibility of the Manager's Office.
WALTONSMITH/BOGOSIAN MOVED TO ADOPT RESOLUTION
MAKING APPROPRIATION ADJUSTMENTS TO THE
FY 2000/01 BUDGET. MOTION PASSED 4-0 WITH MAYOR
MEHAFFEY ABSENT.
WALTONSMITH/BOGOSIAN MOVED TO ADOPT RESOLUTION
AMENDING A MOU BETWEEN THE CITY AND THE SARATOGA
EMPLOYEES ASSOCIATION, FURTHER AMENDING RESOLUTION
85-9 AS AMENDED, ADJUSTING SALARIES AND BENEFITS FOR
NON-MANAGEMENT EMPLOYEES. MOTION PASSED 4-0 WITH
MAYOR MEHAFFEY ABSENT.
WALTONSMITH/BOGOSIAN MOVED TO ADOPT RESOLUTION
AMENDING A MOU BETWEEN THE SARATOGA MANAGEMENT
ASSOCIATION, FURTHER AMENDING RESOLUTION NO. 85-9 AS
AMENDED, ADJUSTING SALARIES AND BENEFITS FOR
MANAGEMENT EMPLOYEES. MOTION PASSED 4-0 WITH MAYOR
MEHAFFEY ABSENT.
AZULE CROSSING DEVELOPMENT,STATUS REPORT
STAFF RECOMMENDATION:
Accept report and dkect staff accordingly.
Irwin Kaplan, Interim Director of Community Development, presented staff
report.
Director Kaplan noted that this issue was brought before the Council due to a
letter of complaint submitted by Jeffrey J. Walker on January 23, 2001, in
regards to the lack of compliance with conditions of approval at Azule
Crossing. ~
Director Kaplan updated the City Council on the'recent conditions that Mr.
Walker pointed out and which Mr. Griffin has recently fixed:
· Installation of the privacy louvers
Azule illuminated sign boxes turned off at 9:00 p.m.
· Installation of security lights
· Temporary fence moved back - providing more parking on site
· Applied for a sign permit for the two non-permitted signs
City Council Minutes February 7, 2001
Director Kaplan noted that Mr. Griffin was present tonight to answer any
questions that Council might have.
Councilmember Bogosian stated that he found this report confusing and
requested that a matrix of the issues brought up by Mr. Walker, and how the
conditions of approval, the violations, and the remedies all tie together.
Director Kaplan responded that he would provide such a matrix.
Dennis Griffin, The Griffin Company/Agent for Azule Crossing, noted that he
did not understand what the problems were and noted that this project went
through the City's entire review process, went to the Planning Commission,
and to the City Council. Mr. Griffin noted that a few of the issues Mr. Walker
addressed were due to the construction of the residential development project
behind his commercial project.
Vice Mayor Streit reminded everyone that this was a unique situation where
you have two separate and different projects going on simultaneouslY, which
was ordered by the City, and two different crews sharing a common parking
lot.
Councilmember Waltonsmith stated that the neighborhood surrounding the
project should be the least impacted of all the groups involved.
Jeffrey J. Walker, 20451 Seagull Way, noted that the issues he brought up in
his letter have been remedied. Mr. Walker thanked Director Kaplan for his
efforts.
Don Johnson, 19997 Seagull Way, noted that there has been an increase of
construction trucks using the neighborhood streets as access to the two
projects. Mr. Johnson noted that on January 31 he counted one dozen
construction trucks on his street. Mr. Johnson noted he contacted Director
Cherbone, who in turn took care of the problem temporarily. Mr. Johnson
requested the City Council install a temporary sign prohibiting construction
trucks'on the neighborhood streets surrounding the Azule Crossing
Development projects.
A discussion took place on ingress and egress of the neighborhood streets to
the construction sites.
Director Cherbone noted that Saratoga-SunnyvaleRoad is tied to the Gateway
project and will be addressed in a couple of months and noted that some of the
trucks are so big that they have to use Seagull Way in order to turn around.
Vice Mayor Streit asked Director Cherbone if he would send an inspector to
the site and remind Devcon to avoid using the neighborhoods streets.
Vice Mayor Streit requested that the Public Safety Commission examine the
long-term daily misuse of Seagull Way and report back to the City Council.
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City Council Minutes February 7, 2001
Director Cherbone noted that if Council desires to do so the City could
implement some types of traffic calming devices or pass a MV resolution.
Councilmember Baker requested that the Chair of the Public Safety
Commission report back to the City Council within thirty days.
Councilmember Bogosain noted that there were two issues that Mr. Johnson
has brought up concerning Seagull Way; the temporary impact on the
neighborhood due to the construction and the current misuse of that street.
Mr. Johnson agreed with Councilmember Bogosian.
Vice Mayor Streit thanked everyone for coming tonight.
PUBLIC HEARINGS
None
Vice Mayor Streit noted that Director Walker requested that the Council move Item 6
before Item 5.
Consensus of the City Council to move Item 6 before Item 5.
NEW BUSINESS
o
SALE OF GENERAL OBLIGATION BONDS FOR THE SARATOGA
COMMUNITY LIBRARY
STAFF RECOMMENDATION:
Accept report and direct staff accordingly.
Mary Jo Walker, Director of Administrative Services, presented staff report.
Director Walker explained that the citizens of Saratoga voted to approve the
sale of $15 million general obligation bonds on March 7, 2000, to fund the
Library renovation and expansion project. The City needs to have the bond
proceeds no later than this coming June, before the City starts spending large
amounts of money on the Library construction. The sale of the bonds takes
about three months~ so the process should begin as soon as possible.
Director Walker noted that it is recommended that the full $15 million be sold
in one sale. If the Library is built for less than $15 million and funds remain
after all the costs are paid, the excess proceeds can be used in a subsequent
year for the annual debt service payment. Director Walker explained this
would reduce the amount that would need to be collected from property tax
payers in that year.
Director Walker noted that Mr. Morales from Sutro & Company was present- to
answer any questions from the Council.
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City Council Minutes February 7, 2001
Vice Mayor Streit asked how long the process would take if Council approves
the sale of the bonds tonight.
Rich Morales, Vice President/Sutro, responded that once Council approved the
sale of the bonds he would start the process immediately, which involves
getting the City's bond rated and finding the lowest interest rate. Mr. Morales
noted he would return to the Council, approximately in May, to request
permission, to initiate the actual sale of the bonds, in the form of a resolution.
BAKER/WALTONSMITH MOVED TO DIRECT STAFF TO INITIATE
THE PROCESS OF SELLING 15 MILLION GENERAL BOND
OBLIGATION BONDS FOR THE SARATOGA COMMUNITY
o
LIBRARY RENOVATION AND EXPANSION PROJECT. MOTION
PASSED 4-0 WITH MAYOR MEHAFFEY ABSENT.
MID YEAR FINANCIAL RESULTS FOR FY 2000/2001
STAFF RECOMMENDATION:
Accept Financial Reports; adopt resolution.
TITLE OF RESOLUTION: 01-0i0
RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF
SARATOGA MAKING APPROPRIATION ADJUSTMENTS TO THE
FY 2000/2001 BUDGET
Mary Jo Walker, Director of Administrative Services, presented staff report.
Director Walker noted that the financial reports represent the revenues,
expenditures and fund balances in all City funds for the six months ended
December 31, 2000. The financial reports include actual revenues and
expenditures at the mid-year point, as well as staff's mid-year projections.
Director Walker indicated that overall revenues were higher than expected at
this point in the annual cycle and expenditures are slightly lower than
budgeted.
Director Walker indicated that General Fund revenues are about $700,000
higher than expected as of DeCember 31. This is due to higher sales tax,
transfer tax, construction tax, interest income, and motor vehicle license fees,
as well as an unbudgeted on-time grant from the California Law Enforcement
Equipment program (CLEEP) that-was approved by the Governor's budget.
Director Walker indicated that development revenues continue to be higher
than budgeted and revenues in all other funds remain approximately as
anticipated.
Councilmember Baker noted he felt $25,000.00 was an excessive amount to
improve the City's website.
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City Council Minutes February 7, 2001
Dave Anderson, City Manager, indicated that he plans on doing some scoping
of the project and will not spend the money unless necessary.
Councilmember Bogosian noted he feels that it was a reasonable figure to
make the City's website user friendly.
BAKER/WALTONSMITH MOVED TO ACCEPT THE MID-YEAR
FINANCIAL REPORT. MOTION PASSED 4-0 WITH MAYOR
MEHAFFEY ABSENT.
BAKER/WALTONSMITH MOVED TO ADOPT RESOLUTION
MAKING APPROPRIATION ADJUSTMENTS TO THE FY 2000/2001
BUDGET. MOTION PASSED 4-0 WITH MAYOR MEHAFFEY ABSENT.
AUTHORIZATION TO CITY MANAGER TO EXECUTE
PROFESSIONAL SERVICES AGREEMENTS FOR TEMPORARY
SERVICES IN COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT DEPARTMENT:
A. AGREEMENT WITH IRWIN KAPLAN~ INTERIM
COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT. DIRECTOR
B. AGREEMENT WITH WlLLDAN AND ASSOCIATES
C. AMENDED AGREEMENT WITH ROBERT SCHUBERT, AICP.
STAFF RECOMMENDATION:
Authorize City Manager to execute agreements.
Dave Anderson, City Manager, presented staff report.
Mr. Anderson briefly explained the contracts for the following contract
employees:
1. Irwin Kaplan, Interim Director of Community Development.
2. Robert Schubert, Senior Planner.
3. Phillip Block, Senior Planner.'
Mr. Anderson noted that these contracts are temporary until full time staff is
hired.
BOGOSIAN/WALTONSMITH MOVED TO AUTHORIZE THE CITY
MANAGER TO EXECUTE CONTRACTS WITH IRWIN KAPLAN~
o
ROBERT SCHUBERT, & PHILLIP BLOCK. MOTION PASSED 4-0
WITH MAYOR MEHAFFEY ABSENT.
REPORT ON ABAG HOUSING NEEDS APPEAL COMMITTEE
ACTION ON THE CITY'S APPEAL OF THE ABAG REGIONAL
HOUSING NEEDS DETERMINATION FOR THE CITY OF
SARATOGA
STAFF RECOMMENDATION:
Accept report and direct staff accordingly.
Richard Taylor, City Attomey, presented staff report.
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City Council Minutes February 7, 2001
Mr. Taylor provided an update of the City's efforts to appeal ABAG's decision
on the Regional Housing Needs Determination (RHND).
Mr. Taylor noted that the City of Saratoga appealed the ABAG determination
based on two primary factors:
1. ABAG'S projection of anticipated job growth in Saratoga was not
correct.
2. Inaccuracies in ABAG'S projections regarding household growth in
Saratoga.
Mr. Taylor noted that ABAG Housing Needs Appeals Committee met to
consider the City's appeal on January 25, 2001, and rejected the City's appeal.
Mr. Taylor indicated that the ABAG Executive Board would meet' on March
15, 2001 to make a final decision on the RHND for each jurisdiction within
ABAG. Mr. Taylor reported that City staff plans to request that the Executive
Board reduce the City's RHND at that time.
Betty Feldman, 20184 Franklin Avenue, requested that the City of Saratoga
make every effort to supply our fair share of affordable housing. Ms. Feldman
reported that The Town of Los Gatos, in conjunction with the Community
Housing Developers, would be celebrating the grand opening of the Los Gatos
Creek Apartments on February 16, 2001. Ms. Feldman noted that this project
was part of the Town's efforts to build affordable housing in their community.
Councilmember Baker stated that the allocation of affordable units in Saratoga
set by ABAG is too high.
Vice Mayor Streit noted that all the City is asking for is a reasonable number
that the City could actually meet.
Vice Mayor Streit indicated to Ms. Feldman that the City Council would be
holding a special meeting on March 27, 2001 to discuss affordable housing.
Consensus of the City Council to direct the City Attorney to prepare an
appropriate correspondence to the ABAG Executive Board.
ORCHARD RESTORATION PROJECT - PHASE I AND PHASE II
STAFF RECOMMENDATION:
Approve proposal for transplanting trees and authorize City Manager to
execute agreement to prepare an "Orchard Master Plan".
Dave Anderson, City Manager, presented staff report.
Mr. Anderson noted that at the January 17th meeting, the City Council had the
opportunity to review the' schematic design plan for the Saratoga Library
Expansion Project. During the presentation, it was noted that the expansion of
the library building and parking lot would require the removal of
approximately 110 orchard trees. Mr. Anderson noted that the intent is to
transplant a portion of those trees.
13
City Council Minutes February 7, 2001
Mr. Anderson explained that Matt Novakovich, the City Orchardist, and Linda
Gates, the landscape architect, have walked the site to evaluate the existing
trees proposed for removal and have identified 48 trees as potential candidates
for transplanting. Mr. Anderson noted the candidates for transplant are a
mixture of prone and apricot trees varying in size.
Mr. Anderson explained that Mr. Novakovich recommended replanting the
orchard trees on the Fmitvale/Saratoga comer along Saratoga Avenue. Mr.
Anderson noted that funding for both phases is available in CIP 0101 - park
Upgrades.
Mr. Anderson indicated that Phase II of the Heritage Orchard Restoration
Project includes the services of Linda Gates and Matt Novakovich to work
with the Heritage Preservation Committee to develop a master plan for the rest
of the orchard that is not a part of the library project.
Mr. Anderson noted that Norman Koepemik, Chair/Heritage Preservation
Commission, was present tonight to answer any questions Council may have.
Vice Mayor Streit asked if the City would be putting signs up in the Heritage
Orchard noticing the restoration project.
Mr. Anderson responded yes, signs would be placed in the Heritage Orchard
and an article will be in the Saratogan.
Vice Mayor Streit asked Chair Koepemick if he had any comments on the
Heritage Orchard Restoration Project.
Norman Koepemik, Chair/Heritage Preservation Commission, emphasized that
the Heritage Preservation Commission fully supports the restoration efforts and
Noted that now was the time to replant the trees.
PHASE I
BAKER/WALTONSMITH MOVED TO AUTHORIZE THE CITY
MANAGER TO EXECUTE AGREEMENT WITH GATES AND
ASSOCIATES, LANDSCAPE ARCHITECTS, IN THE AMOUNT OF
$9,050.00 FOR DESIGN DEVELOPMENT AND CONSTRUCTION
MANAGEMENT..MOTION PASSES 4-0' WITH MAYOR MEHAFFEY
ABSENT.
BAKER/WALTONSMITH MOVED TO AUTHORIZE THE CITY
MANAGER TO EXECUTE AN AMENDMENT TO THE AGREEMENT
WITH MATT NOVAKOVICH, ORCHARDIST, IN THE AMOUNT OF
$33,587.28 FOR EXCAVATING AND TRANSPLANTING TREES.
MOTION PASSES 4-0 WITH MAYOR MEHAFFEY ABSENT.
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City Council Minutes
PHASE II
February 7, 2001
BAKER/WALTONSMITH MOVED TO AUTHORIZE THE CITY
MANAGER TO EXECUTE AN AGREEMENT WITH GATES AND
ASSOCIATES, LANDSCAPE ARCHITECTS FOR PHASE I1
ORCHARD MASTER PLAN IN THE AMOUNT OF $19,120.00.
MOTION PASSES 4-0 WITH MAYOR MEHAFFEY ABSENT.
CITY COUNCIL ITEMS
Councilmember Waltonsmith asked if staff has handled the following: 1. Commendation for Mason Sakoda.
2. Proclamation for the Peace Corp.
3. Response to Marcia Ferris in regards to her recent email concerning school traffic.
Cathleen Boyer, City Clerk, responded that both the commendation and proclamation
have already been prepared.
Mr. Anderson responded that Ms. Ferris's email has been forwarded to the School Site
Task Force headed by Bridgett Ballingall.
Councilmember Bogosian requested a joint meeting with the Saratoga Union School
District to discuss their efforts on traffic control.
Councilmember Baker reminded everyone that at the January 17th meeting he discussed a
random phone survey in which he participated, but questioned the validity of it.
Councilmember Baker reported that he finally received a return phone call from Dennis
Trujillo, Deputy Director/CALTRANS, who verified that the survey was authorized by
CALTRANS and was being performed by a contractor CALTRANS had hired.
OTHER
None.
CITY MANAGER'S REPORT
Mr. Anderson requested the City Clerk to remind the City Council of the date scheduled
for the Council's Retreat.
Cathleen Boyer, City Clerk, stated the scheduled date for the Council's Retreat was May
5, 2001.
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City Council Minutes
ADJOURNMENT
February 7, 2001
Vice Mayor Streit adjourned the meeting at 9:25 p.m. and wished Mayor Mehaffey a
speedy recovery,
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