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MINUTES
SARATOGA REGULAR CITY COUNCIL MEETING
FEBRUARY 17, 2010
The City Council of the City of Saratoga met in Closed Session in the Administrative
Conference Room at 5:30PM.
ANNOUNCEMENT OF CLOSED SESSION
Conference with Legal Counsel –
Significant Exposure to Litigation: (Government Code Section 54956.9 (1 case)
Initiation of Litigation (Government Code Section 54956.9(c) (1 case)
MAYOR’S REPORT ON CLOSED SESSION
Mayor King stated there was no reportable information.
The City Council of the City of Saratoga held a Special Meeting with Supervisor
Liz Kniss in the Administrative Conference Room at 6:00 p.m.
Mayor King called the Regular City Council meeting to order at 7:00 p.m.
ROLL CALL
PRESENT: Councilmembers Chuck Page, Howard Miller, Vice Mayor Jill
Hunter, Mayor Kathleen King
ABSENT: Susie Nagpal (Excused Absence)
ALSO Dave Anderson, City Manager
PRESENT: Richard Taylor, City Attorney
Ann Sullivan, City Clerk
Barbara Powell, Assistant City Manager
Mary Furey, Administrative Services Director
John Livingstone, Community Development Director
Crystal Morrow, Administrative Analyst II
REPORT OF CITY CLERK ON POSTING OF AGENDA
Ann Sullivan, City Clerk, reported that pursuant to Government Code Section 54954.2,
the agenda for the meeting of February 17, 2010 was properly posted on February 12,
2010.
Mayor King suggested County Supervisor Liz Kniss speak before Oral Communications.
Council concurred with this suggestion.
COMMUNICATIONS FROM COMMISSIONS & PUBLIC
Liz Kniss, President of County Board of Supervisors, addressed the Council noting that
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she had met with Council in a Joint Meeting prior to the Regular Meeting. She expressed
her appreciation for the opportunity to have an informal discussion with the Council
regarding the various interactions that the County has with the City of Saratoga such as
Saratoga’s historic buildings, trails and other more in-depth issues. She spoke about the
Prescription Drug Card that is available through the County and enabled by NACO,
National Association of Counties. Supervisor Kniss noted citizens without medical
coverage could receive up to a 20 to 25% discount on their prescription drugs if they used
this Prescription Drug Card; which is available online by visiting www.naco.com.
In addition, Supervisor Kniss noted that the City of Saratoga was the recipient of two of
the County’s largest grants – $225,000 to Hakone Gardens and Montalvo.
Supervisor Kniss commented on the tragic plane crash in East Palo Alto earlier in the day
and extended her condolences to the family members of the individuals that lost their
lives in that plane crash. She concluded her report by extending her very best wishes to
Councilmember Susie Nagpal.
DIRECTION TO STAFF
None
ORAL COMMUNICATIONS
Lon Saavedra addressed the Council noting Hakone Garden’s second annual Chinese
Lunar New Year Festival on Saturday, February 20th from 12 noon to 4p.m. at Hakone
Gardens.
Kathleen Casey addressed the Council on various issues, including expenses for possible
annexation of some hillside properties in Saratoga, Toll Gate, funding for Prospect
median improvements, funding for Village sidewalk improvements, and how grant
dollars are spent.
DIRECTION TO STAFF
None
ANNOUNCEMENTS
Councilmember Page noted the Chamber of Commerce is having their annual Crab Feed
on Saturday, February 20th from 6:30 to 830p.m. at Sacred Heart Church.
Councilmember Miller noted the AARP (Association of American Retired Persons) is
providing Income Tax assistance every Thursday from now until April 15th from 9:30 to
1:30 at the Saratoga Senior Center; adding that the service is available for seniors and
low to middle income citizens. In addition, he reminded citizens to check out the
Saratoga Recreation Guide and invited people to register for some fun classes.
Vice Mayor Hunter noted the City website needs to be updated reflecting the new name
for the North Campus property, which is now “Saratoga Prospect Center” and to include
Formerly North Campus in parentheses. She also stated the final color selection for the
new Village Entrance sign has been made and the sign will be installed in approximately
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three weeks. In addition, she reminded everyone of the upcoming Mustard Faire event on
March 7 and the St. Paddy’s Day celebration on March 13.
CEREMONIAL ITEMS
None
SPECIAL PRESENTATIONS
None
CONSENT CALENDAR
1. CITY COUNCIL RETREAT MINUTES – JANUARY 29, 2010
STAFF RECOMMENDATION:
Approve minutes.
Councilmember Page removed this item for one minor correction.
PAGE/MILLER MOVED TO APPROVE CITY COUNCIL RETREAT
MINUTES – JANUARY 29, 2010 AS AMENDED. MOTION PASSED 4-0-1
WITH COUNCILMEMBER NAGPAL ABSENT.
2. CITY COUNCIL MEETING MINUTES – FEBRUARY 3, 2010
STAFF RECOMMENDATION:
Approve minutes.
PAGE/HUNTER MOVED TO APPROVE CITY COUNCIL MEETING
MINUTES – FEBRUARY 3, 2010. MOTION PASSED 4-0-1 WITH
COUNCILMEMBER NAGPAL ABSENT.
3. CITY COUNCIL STUDY SESSION MINUTES – FEBRUARY 8, 2010
STAFF RECOMMENDATION:
Approve minutes.
PAGE/HUNTER MOVED TO APPROVE CITY COUNCIL STUDY SESSION
MINUTES – FEBRUARY 8, 2010. MOTION PASSED 4-0-1 WITH
COUNCILMEMBER NAGPAL ABSENT.
4. REVIEW OF ACCOUNTS PAYABLE CHECK REGISTERS
STAFF RECOMMENDATION:
That the City Council review and accept the Check Registers for the following
Accounts Payable payment cycles:
January 28, 2010
February 04, 2010
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PAGE/HUNTER MOVED TO ACCEPT THE CHECK REGISTERS FOR THE
FOLLOWING ACCOUNTS PAYABLE PAYMENT CYCLES: JANUARY 28,
2010 AND FEBRUARY 04, 2010. MOTION PASSED 4-0-1 WITH
COUNCILMEMBER NAGPAL ABSENT.
5. APPROVAL OF AGENCY AGREEMENT FOR COUNTYWIDE AB 939
IMPLEMENTATION FEE
STAFF RECOMMENDATION:
Accept report and direct staff accordingly.
PAGE/HUNTER MOVED TO APPROVE AGENCY AGREEMENT FOR
COUNTYWIDE AB939 IMPLEMENTATION FEE. MOTION PASSED 4-0-1
WITH COUNCILMEMBER NAGPAL ABSENT.
6. APPROVAL OF AGENCY AGREEMENT FOR THE COUNTYWIDE
HOUSEHOLD HAZARDOUS WASTE COLLECTION PROGRAM
STAFF RECOMMENDATION:
Accept report and direct staff accordingly.
PAGE/HUNTER MOVED TO APPROVE AGENCY AGREEMENT FOR THE
COUNTYWIDE HOUSEHOLD HAZARDOUS WASTE COLLECTION
PROGRAM. MOTION PASSED 4-0-1 WITH COUNCILMEMBER NAGPAL
ABSENT.
7. RESOLUTION AMENDING COUNCIL AGENCY AND ADHOC
COMMITTEE LIAISON ASSIGNMENTS
STAFF RECOMMENDATION:
Adopt resolution amending Resolution 09-066 appointing Council representatives to
Committees, Agencies and Ad hoc Committees.
RESOLUTION NO. 10-008
PAGE/HUNTER MOVED TO ADOPT RESOLUTION AMENDING
RESOLUTION 09-066 APPOINTING COUNCIL REPRESENTATIVES TO
COMMITTEES, AGENCIES AND AD HOC COMMITTEES. MOTION
PASSED 4-0-1 WITH COUNCILMEMBER NAGPAL ABSENT.
PUBLIC HEARINGS
None
OLD BUSINESS
8. 2010 SPRING ISSUE OF THE SARATOGAN
STAFF RECOMMENDATION:
Accept report and direct staff accordingly.
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Crystal Morrow, Administrative Analyst II, presented the staff report.
Mayor King invited public comment.
No one requested to speak on this item.
DIRECTION TO STAFF:
In addition to the proposed articles for the spring issue of The Saratogan, Council
suggested adding the following articles:
Shop local ads;
Reference the Prescription Drug Card in the healthy and active living in
Saratoga article;
Include a picture from the February 20, 2010 Hakone Chinese Lunar New
Year Festival.
In addition, Council recommended staff include the following on the City website:
2010 Census Banner reminding citizens to complete the 2010 Census and
include every person living in the household; State loses $3,000 per under-
counted person per year; and State of California may lose Congressional
representation if number of citizens are under-counted;
Include a “Frequently Asked Questions” link to the 2010 Census Banner
addressing most commonly asked questions;
Include a link on City website for residents to respond to regarding their
interest in receiving an electronic version of The Saratogan.
9. REQUEST FOR WAIVER OF CITY FEES RELATED TO 2010 MUSTARD
FAIRE
STAFF RECOMMENDATION:
Accept report and direct staff accordingly.
Assistant City Manager Barbara Powell presented the staff report noting the Mustard
Faire Festival planners were asking for additional funding for the 2010 Festival to
offset the cost of City-related fees.
Mayor King invited public comment.
The following person requested to speak on this item:
Kathleen Casey commented on several topics:
o Some minutes from Heritage Preservation Commission meetings are posted
on the City website five months after the meetings;
o At the February 3, 2010 Council meeting a SASCC member volunteered to
help out with the 2010 Mustard Faire;
o Animals weren’t always on the Mustard Faire agenda; and
o Mustard Faire was originally called the Saratoga Blossom Festival.
Mayor King closed the public comment.
Council discussed the following suggestions:
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o Event planners for all City co-sponsored events acquire donations to help off-
set costs – matching dollar for dollar;
o Mustard Faire Festival event be under the auspices of the Saratoga/Monte
Sereno Community Foundation or Saratoga Historical Foundation.
COUNCIL DIRECTION:
All 2010 City co-sponsored events to be agendized on an upcoming Council meeting
agenda for discussion.
PAGE/MILLER MOVED TO ALLOCATE AN ADDITIONAL $1,000 FROM
THE FOURTH OF JULY EVENT FUND AND ALLOCATE AN
ADDITIONAL $217.50 FROM COUNCIL’S CONTINGENCY FUND.
MOTION PASSED 4-0-1 WITH COUNCILMEMBER NAGPAL ABSENT.
NEW BUSINESS
10. GOOGLE FIBER FOR COMMUNITIES REQUEST FOR INFORMATION
STAFF RECOMMENDATION:
Accept report and direct staff accordingly.
Crystal Morrow, Administrative Analyst II, presented the staff report.
Mayor King invited public comment and the following person requested to speak on
this item:
Narasimha Nookala spoke in support of this project and volunteered his assistance.
No one else requested to speak on this item.
Council discussed the various aspects involved if the Council decided to participate in
this program and expressed concerns regarding:
o Inadequate information provided by Google
o Associated costs
o Staff time
o Terrain in Saratoga
o Three-city approach with Los Gatos and Monte Sereno to share costs
Councilmember Page volunteered to contact Town and City officials in Los Gatos
and Monte Sereno to see if they would be interested in the Google fiber optic trial and
partnering with the City of Saratoga.
DIRECTION TO STAFF:
Contact Google for additional information regarding the fiber optic project, outreach
to partners and residents in the community to see who may be interested in working
with the City on its response to Google, and re-agendize this item for Council
consideration on the next Council meeting.
11. COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT DEPARTMENT ADVANCE PLANNING
WORK PROGRAM FOR FY 2010/11
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STAFF RECOMMENDATION:
Approve the proposed work program.
John Livingstone presented the staff report.
Mayor King invited public comment and the following person requested to speak on
this item:
Kathleen Casey voiced her concerns regarding roads and potential mud slides; and
costs associated with the proposed work plan, the Housing Element and annexations.
No one else requested to speak on this item.
Councilmember Page noted the definition of “pervious” in the State’s mandated
Water Efficiency Landscape Model Ordinance is different than the City’s definition
of pervious and asked if Saratoga’s definition would have to be rectified prior to
implementing the State’s mandated model ordinance.
Director Livingstone noted that item would be coming back to Council March 3, 2010
for consideration.
PAGE/MILLER MOVED TO APPROVE THE PROPOSED WORK PLAN AND
ALLOCATE $14,000 FROM COUNCIL’S DISCRETIONARY FUND.
MOTION PASSED 4-0-1 WITH COUNCILMEMBER NAGPAL ABSENT.
ADHOC & AGENCY ASSIGNMENT REPORTS
Mayor Kathleen King – reported:
County HCD Policy Committee – meets Thursday evening.
West Valley Mayors and Managers Association –meets next week.
Vice Mayor Jill Hunter – reported:
Chamber of Commerce – she attended the last Chamber of Commerce meeting for
Councilmember Miller and the Chamber is moving forward with Taste of Saratoga as a
two-day event.
Historical Foundation – she attended the last meeting and noted they are installing a
modular storage (temporary building) behind the Museum; they are in the process of
searching for a new executive director, and they continue to address landscape questions.
Councilmember Howard Miller – reported:
Santa Clara County Cities Association Board (SCCCA) – he attended the last meeting
and spoke about the Census report and emphasized the importance of every person being
counted; SCCCA will be receiving website assistance from the City of Saratoga; they
discussed the medical marijuana ordinance; discussed new green house gas CEQA
requirements in the State and the impact those requirements may have on cities.
West Valley Solid Waste Joint Powers Association – noted he was voted to be the Chair
Person of the JPA; they are getting a quote on commercial food waste recycling to see
what opportunities may be available; approved next year’s budget, noting it will impact
the cities.
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West Valley Transportation Authority PAC – discussion took place regarding
measurement of road quality and traffic delays in order to acquire real data for Santa
Clara County to receive its share of Federal funding; discussed block grants and Saratoga
is being considered for $500K for road work; and Highway 9 Safety Improvement is low
on the grant list – Saratoga could receive $500K.
Councilmember Susie Nagpal – Excused absence.
Councilmember Chuck Page – reported:
West Valley Sanitation District – met and the new Chairman, Ken Yaeger, asked to create
a sub-committee to look into the District’s Charter as a whole and the various funding
allocations; rates may increase in 2011.
CITY COUNCIL ITEMS
None
CITY MANAGER’S REPORT
None
ADJOURNMENT
There being no additional business, Mayor King asked for a motion to adjourn.
PAGE/HUNTER MOVED TO ADJOURN THE REGULAR MEETING 8:57PM.
MOTION PASSED 4-0-1 WITH COUNCILMEMBER NAGPAL ABSENT.
Respectfully submitted,
Ann Sullivan, CMC
City Clerk