HomeMy WebLinkAbout10-05-2005 City Council minutes MINUTES
SARATOGA CITY COUNCIL
OCTOBER 5, 2005
Mayor King called the Regular City Council meeting to order at 7:05 p.m. and requested
Lon Saavedra, Hakone Foundation Executive Director, to lead the Pledge of Allegiance.
ROLL CALL
PRESENT: Councilmembers Aileen Kao Nick Streit, Ann Waltonsmith,
Vice Mayor Norman Kline, Mayor Kathleen King
ABSENT: None
ALSO Dave Anderson, City Manager
PRESENT: Lorie Tinfow, Assistant City Manager
Richard Taylor, City Attorney
Ann Sullivan, Deputy City Clerk
Michele Braucht, Administrative Services Director
John Livingstone, Community Development Director
John Cherbone, Public Works Director
Lata Vasudevan, Associate Planner
REPORT OF CITY CLERK ON POSTING OF AGENDA FOR OCTOBER 5,2005
Ann Sullivan, Deputy City Clerk, reported that pursuant to Government Code Section
54954.2, the agenda for the meeting of October 5, 2005 was properly posted on
September 29, 2005.
ORAL COMMUNICATIONS ON NON-AGENDIZED ITEMS
The following people requested to speak:
Citizen Ray pointed out the trash eye sore that is scattered along Highway 9. He also
feels that Caltrans isn't doing their job properly regarding the trash removal. Citizen Ray
also suggested widening Highway 9 near Aloha.
Ray Muzzy addressed the Council regarding the use of commercial cell phone antennas
in high density areas in Saratoga. Mr. Muzzy stated that Saratoga needs an overall
antenna ordinance; which he understands will be discussed at the joint meeting next week
between the Council and Planning Commission. Mr. Muzzy stated that the immediate
prioity is to update the existing R-1 Residential Conditional Use Permit Ordinance to
protect high density in residential communities. Mr. Muzzy stated that Ordinance 221
that Council adopted on August 6, 2003, added antennas to the permitted uses in R-1
District. Mr. Muzzy stated that the word"antennas" doesn't describe the issue and that
antennas don't belong in residential areas.
Kathleen Casey Coakley addressed the Council regarding the recent fire that occurred on
Komia and Oak Street. In addition, she suggested that Aloha Avenue be closed for
egress traffic.
COUNCIL DIRECTION TO STAFF
Councilmember Streit asked staff to comment on the request from Mr. Muzzy to amend
the City Code.
City Manager Anderson explained that staff brought forward a list of potential advanced
planning projects. Council in turned prioritized the list and narrowed it down to six
projects that could be accomplished in the next 16 months.
Councilmember Streit commented that an antenna ordinance was not one of the top six.
COMMUNICATIONS FROM BOARDS AND COMMISSIONS
None
ANNOUNCEMENTS
None
CEREMONIAL ITEMS
1. PROCLAMATION DECLARING THE WEEK OF OCTOBER 16-22,2005
"TEEN READ WEEK"
STAFF RECOMMENDATION:
Present proclamation.
Mayor King read the proclamation and presented it to Jodie Wipking, Teen
Librarian at the Saratoga Library.
SPECIAL PRESENTATIONS
2A. UPDATE ON HAKONE GARDENS—LON SAAVEDRA,EXECUTIVE
DIRECTOR
STAFF RECOMMENDATION:
Informational only.
Lon Saavedra, Hakone Foundation Executive Director,thanked the Council for
inviting him to speak at tonight's meeting.
Mr. Saavedra noted that on October 23, 2005, Hakone will be celebrating their 90th
anniversary. The anniversary celebration will be from 2:00 to 5:00 p.m.
Referring to the movie, "Memoirs of a Geisha", Mr. Saavedra noted that various
scenes in the movie were filmed at Hakone Gardens. He reported that Sony
Pictures would be hosting a special premier locally for the Hakone Foundation on
December 9, 2005. He also noted that Hakone Gardens will be hosting the Grand
Minutes 2 October 5,2005
Tea Ceremony this Sunday from 12:00 noon to 5:00 p.m.
2B. UPDATE ON SARATOGA-MONTE SERENO COMMUNITY
FOUNDATION—TRACY ENFANTINO
STAFF RECOMMENDATION:
Informational only.
Lori Fox, President of the Saratoga—Monte Sereno Community Foundation, and
Tracy Enfantino, Treasurer, of the Saratoga—Monte Sereno Community
Foundation, reported that the Foundation will be holding their first annual
fundraiser benefiting four local non-profit agencies on Sunday, October 16, 2005,
from 4:00 to 7:00 p.m. She added the event will be hosted by Abby and John
Sabrato.
CONSENT CALENDAR
3A. REVIEW OF CHECK REGISTER
STAFF RECOMMENDATION:
Approve check register.
WALTONSMITH/STREIT MOVED TO APPROVE THE CHECK
REGISTER. MOTION PASSED 5-0-0.
3B. FY 2005-2006 CDBG COUNTY/CITY CONTRACT
STAFF RECOMMENDATION:
Adopt resolution authorizing the City Manager to execute a$427,402.28 contract
with Santa Clara County for the FY 2005-2006 CDBG Program.
RESOLUTION: 05-063
WALTONSMITH/STREIT MOVED TO ADOPT RESOLUTION
AUTHORIZING THE CITY MANAGER TO EXECUTE A$427,402.28
CONTRACT WITH SANTA CLARA COUNTY FOR THE FY 2005-2006
CDBG PROGRAM. MOTION PASSED 5-0-0.
3C. EXTENSION OF CURRENT CONTRACT FOR ANNUAL AUDIT
SERVICES WITH CAPORICCI & LARSON LLP
STAFF RECOMMENDATION:
Authorize the City Manager to execute 2-year extension not to exceed $96,490.
WALTONSMITH/STREIT MOVED TO AUTHORIZE THE CITY
MANAGER TO EXECUTE A 2-YEAR EXTENSION NOT TO EXCEED
$96,490 WITH CAPORICCI & LARSON LLP. MOTION PASSED 5-0-0.
Minutes 3 October 5,2005
3D. METRO PCS LEASE AGREEMENT FOR COMMUNICATIONS SITE AT
THE SARATOGA COMMUNITY LIBRARY
STAFF RECOMMENDATION:
Authorize the City Manager to execute a lease agreement and sign the
Memorandum of Agreement with Metro PCS for lease of property at 13650
Saratoga Avenue.
WALTONSMITH/STREIT MOVED TO AUTHORIZE THE CITY
MANAGER TO EXECUTE A LEASE AGREEMENT AND SIGN THE
MEMORANDUM OF AGREEMENT WITH METRO PCS FOR LEASE OF
PROPERTY AT 13650 SARATOGA AVENUE. MOTION PASSED 5-0-0.
PUBLIC HEARINGS
4. EXTENSION OF INTERIM MORATORIUM ON USES INCONSISTENT
WITH PRIOR DESIGN REVIEW APPROVAL
STAFF RECOMMENDATION:
Accept public testimony, consider and adopt the extension to the Interim Urgency
Ordinance. The ordinance prohibits uses that are inconsistent with prior design
review approvals and currently expires on November 22, 2005. The ordinance
would extend the term to November 22, 2006.
Richard Taylor, City Attorney, presented the staff report.
Mr. Taylor stated that all the planning work went into this last year when the
Council adopted it and this is basically a procedural matter of extending the
ordinance for another year,therefore, giving it a two-year life span. It won't be
possible to extend it after this year.
Staff will be looking into these issues as part of the ordinance amendments. This
ordinance provides that any project that received sign off on a design review
approval after January 1, 2004, cannot make any change to their project that is
inconsistent with that design review approval, install any additional structures that
weren't on the design review, or make changes to landscaping. This rule will be in
effect through November 22, 2006; prior to that date Council will need to adopt a
regular ordinance either implementing these terms or something different.
Mayor King opened the public hearing for comment.
The following people requested to speak on this item:
David Migdal spoke in support of this item.
Mimi Frasier-Mather spoke in support of this item.
No one else requested to speak on this item.
Mayor King closed the public hearing.
Minutes 4 October 5,2005
WALTONSMITH/STREIT MOVED TO ADOPT THE EXTENSION TO THE
INTERIM URGENCY ORDINANCE. THE ORDINANCE PROHIBITS USES
THAT ARE INCONSISTENT WITH PRIOR DESIGN REVIEW APPROVALS
AND CURRENTLY EXPIRES ON NOVEMBER 22, 2005. THE ORDINANCE
WOULD EXTEND THE TERM TO NOVEMBER 22, 2006.
Mayor King suggested a friendly amendment to the motion and asked that it
include the verbiage that Council will agendize this item for discussion four to five
months prior to the end of its November 22, 2006 term.
WALTONSMITH/STREIT MOVED TO ADOPT THE EXTENSION TO THE
INTERIM URGENCY ORDINANCE. THE ORDINANCE PROHIBITS
USES THAT ARE INCONSISTENT WITH PRIOR DESIGN REVIEW
APPROVALS AND CURRENTLY EXPIRES ON NOVEMBER 22, 2005.
THE ORDINANCE WOULD EXTEND THE TERM TO NOVEMBER 22,
2006; AND COUNCIL WILL AGENDIZE THIS ITEM FOR DISCUSSION
FOUR TO FIVE MONTHS PRIOR TO THE NOVEMBER 22, 2006 TERM
EXPIRATION. MOTION PASSED 5-0-0.
5. ZONING TEXT AMENDMENT — PERSONAL SERVICE BUSINESSES IN
CH-1 AND CH-2 ZONING DISTRICTS
STAFF RECOMMENDATION:
Accept public testimony, introduce the Zoning Text Amendment, waive the first
reading, and schedule the item for second reading and adoption on consent
calendar.
Lata Vasudevan, Associate Planner, presented the staff report.
Ms. Vasudevan noted the Council adopted an interim urgency ordinance
prohibiting the establishment of personal service businesses that have their
primary access from Big Basin Way or across the front lot line. The duration of
this interim urgency ordinance has satisfied Council's intent of providing staff
sufficient time to observe the business climate in the Village and formulate new
zoning requirements on personal service businesses in the Village. As a result,
staff is presenting a proposed zoning text amendment relating to personal service
businesses in the Village.
The Planning Commission has reviewed the proposed text amendment at a public
hearing that was held last month on September 14th and has recommended that the
Council adopt the proposed text amendment. The amendment removes service
establishments as permitted uses in the CH District and requires the granting of a
Conditional Use Permit for new personal service businesses that are at street level
and have access from Big Basin Way or across the front lot line.
Conditional Uses as described in the City Code require special consideration by
the Planning Commission so that they may be located properly with respect to the
purposes of the District in which the site is located. In order to grant a Conditional
Use Permit the Planning Commission must make all the findings stated in the City
Code Section 15-55.070. The Planning Commission may deny a request for a use
permit or approve a use permit subject to conditions.
Minutes 5 October 5,2005
Staff believes that the proposed amendment would enable the Planning
Commission to evaluate each new application for a Personal Service Business on a
case-by-case basis in relation to the mix of businesses that are present in the
Village and in light of the City's economic goals for the Village. The proposed
amendment deletes the term"service establishment" and replaces it with the new
term "personal service business" along with a new definition for personal service
business. To minimize potential ambiguity, the proposed amendment specifies
that any retail establishment that also provides a personal service is also classified
as a"personal service business".
The actual text amendment is presented in the draft ordinance that you have before
you.
Mayor King opened the public hearing for comment.
No one requested to speak on this item.
Mayor King closed the public hearing for comment.
Council thanked Ms.Vasudevan for her report.
STREIT/KLINE MOVED TO WAIVE THE FIRST READING,AND
SCHEDULE THE ITEM FOR SECOND READING AND ADOPTION ON
CONSENT CALENDAR. MOTION PASSED 5-0-0.
OLD BUSINESS
6. DISCUSSION REGARDING THE INCORPORATION OF SURVEY
QUESTION(S) IN THE UPCOMING COMMUNITY SURVEY
CONCERNING THE SALE OF CITY OWNED PROPERTY LOCATED AT
19848 PROSPECT ROAD
STAFF RECOMMENDATION:
Discuss inclusion of survey question(s) in the upcoming Community Survey
regarding the sale of the City owned property located at 19848 Prospect Road
(North Campus).
John Cherbone, Public Works Director, presented the staff report.
Mr. Cherbone stated this item was agendized by Councilmembers Kao and
Waltonsmith in order to discuss the inclusion of survey questions in the
community survey concerning the sale of the city-owned property located at 19848
Prospect Road (North Campus). This action may require delaying the sale of the
property to coincide with the survey.
Director Cherbone noted he was distributing a revised updated estimated project
timeline for the North Campus so that Council could determine if the community
survey would be affected by the inclusion of the North Campus survey questions.
Vice Mayor Kline inquired what the survey schedule was.
Minutes 6 October 5,2005
Assistant City Manager Lorie Tinfow stated that a Community Survey Kick-Off
Study Session has been scheduled for October 18th to discuss the potential of a
community survey. If a survey is agreed upon and with Council's approval of
survey questions, the survey could be mailed out to the community sometime mid
November.
Ms. Tinfow added that after the October 18th Study Session there would be another
opportunity for Council to review the full survey—if Council agrees to the
implementation of a survey.
Mayor King invited public comment.
The following people requested to speak on this item:
Marlene Duffin stated that if Council conducts a Community Survey she feels the
survey should include a question that would ask the residents of Saratoga if they
want the City to keep the property located at 19848 Prospect Road for public use,
formerly known as Grace Methodist Church.
Bridgette Ballingall stated that if Council conducts a Community Survey they need
to include questions in the survey that will measure the communities' opinion on
the selling of the North Campus as a solution to the City's revenue problems.
Mike Story expressed his concern regarding the sale of the North Campus and
noted he strongly opposes the sale of this property. He asked the Council to get as
much public consensus as possible and recommended they include the North
Campus issue on the community survey.
Susan Bogerman addressed the Council noting that it is important to get
community consensus and to get as much public input as possible.
Norman Ziegler asked the Council to allow the North Campus property to be
acquired by a non-profit organization so that it can be retained for public use. He
urged the Council to include a question on the survey that would give the residents
an opportunity to voice their opinion about the sale of the North Campus.
Louise Chamberlain stated she would like the City to keep the North Campus
property so that it can be used as public property to be enjoyed by everyone in the
community and not sold to a developer to build houses on it.
No one else requested to speak on this item.
Mayor King closed the public comment.
Councilmember Waltonsmith acknowledged that she along with Councilmember
Kao asked that this item be agendized so they could discuss the option to include
questions about the sale of the North Campus on the Community Survey. Since
the Community Survey is about asking residents for their input regarding the
financial issues and goals of the City it would also be a great opportunity to seek
input from our residents regarding the sale or uses of the North Campus. She
added that it is important to slow down the property sale process in order to hear
Minutes 7 October 5,2005
from our community before moving forward with the sale.
Councilmember Kao stated that after Council voted 3-2 to sell the North Campus
there has been an out pour of support to keep the property. She added there is a
group of citizens trying to raise enough money to purchase the property from the
City to be retained for public use. She noted that she strongly supports including a
question in the Community Survey regarding the sale of the North Campus for
financial reasons.
Councilmember Streit noted that he disagrees with some of the comments stated
this evening that there hasn't been sufficient public notification and processes for
public input and discussion regarding this item. He added there have been a
significant number of noticed public meetings where this topic has been
agendized. He believes the best thing for the City of Saratoga is to sell this
property and replenish the reserves that were drained when the City purchased this
property. At the present time, if there was a major issue in this community, such
as a major hillside slide, we don't have the financial reserves to recover from it
and he is not in favor of slowing down the sale of this property at this time from
that standpoint. He added that he has great reservations of adding a question on
the Community Survey about this property sale if he wasn't able to educate the
residents about the current situation of the City's finances.
Vice Mayor Kline concurred with Councilmember Streit's opinions and stated that
the North Campus issue and process has been very long and very public—
including a significant number of public workshops, public meetings, and many
votes in a public setting for four years. He added the City hasn't owned this
property for many, many years; it was only recently purchased for a specific
reason and not for a community center. It was purchased strictly with the intention
of relocating the Senior Center to the North Campus and to move the Sheriff's
Office into that space. He noted that residents pay their taxes so that the City can
maintain the roads and infrastructure in the community and that is where the
money from the sale of this property would go—Capital Improvements—not
operations and not on-going revenue. He added that there is no official survey at
the moment—it has been discussed, however, it has not been decided.
Mayor King noted that leadership is about making decisions that you don't like to
make. We've talked about our community priorities and they are: (1) safety;
(2) roads; (3) planning; (4)revitalizing our commercial districts; and (5)
recreation. She noted that she feels strongly that if the city's roads and community
safety is in worse shape then when she became a member of the City Council she
would not be proud. She added that if this property is sold she would like the
funds from the sale of that property, at least the funds that were taken out of the
General Fund and Reserve Fund used to purchase the property, put back into the
General Fund and the Reserve Fund as an endowment for our roads. Any
additional funding that would come in above what was spent on purchasing the
property could be used for community use.
Vice Mayor Kline noted that as we go through the survey process we will have a
better understanding of what we could expect from a survey like this; it is a limited
focused amount of information. We will go through the process and the end result
could be that we don't proceed with a survey at all.
Minutes 8 October 5,2005
Mayor King thanked everyone for sharing their opinions and comments.
NEW BUSINESS
7. REQUEST FROM THE ROTARY CLUB OF SARATOGA TO SUPPORT
THE 4TH ANNUAL MUSTARD WALK AND REQUEST FOR A
MONETARY CONTRIBUTION
STAFF RECOMMENDATION:
1. Approve Temporary Use Permit to hold the event February 5, 2006
2. Allow a promotional banner to be placed at the comer of Fruitvale and
Saratoga Avenue
3. Adopt budget resolution appropriating funds
RESOLUTION: 05-061
Ann Sullivan, Deputy City Clerk,presented the staff report.
Deputy City Clerk Sullivan explained that the 4th Annual Mustard Walk is
scheduled for Sunday, February 5, 2006, and once again the Saratoga Rotary has
volunteered to sponsor the event.
Deputy City Clerk Sullivan noted that the Saratoga Rotary has requested that the
City Council allow the use of the Warner Hutton House, Heritage Orchard, and
City parking lot. The Rotary has also requested a matching monetary contribution
of$750, which will be matched by a local corporate sponsor. Deputy City Clerk
Sullivan explained that these funds would be used to cover costs for the Mustard
Walk including: publicity, food, banner up-dating and repair, and incidentals.
Invoices will be paid through the Rotary.
Ms. Sullivan stated that the City was also being asked to donate $600 for renting
the space at Blaney Plaza to hang the banner advertising the event. She pointed
out that this was a new fee this year due to the fact that the City is no longer
sponsoring the event. She added that last year the City made a monetary
contribution of$1,000; funded by the Council Contingency Fund.
Mayor King invited public comment.
The following person requested to speak on this item:
Jim LeBlanc, President-elect of the Saratoga Rotary Club, noted that there is an
additional charge of$300 for the temporary use permit and the Rotary is hopeful
that Council will absorb that cost as well.
No one else requested to speak on this item.
Mayor King closed the public comment period.
Mayor King noted that the City will be celebrating it's 50th anniversary next year
and since the Mustard Walk will be the first community event next year it should
Minutes 9 October 5,2005
be a big event. She suggested allocating $2,000 from the Council Contingency
Fund to help cover costs of the event.
KING/WALTONSMITH MOVED TO ADOPT BUDGET RESOLUTION
APPROPRIATING $2000 FROM COUNCIL CONTINGENCY FUND TO
HELP SPONSOR THE ANNUAL MUSTARD WALK PAYABLE TO THE
SARATOGA ROTARY CLUB. MOTION PASSED 5-0-0.
8. VILLAGE TREE LIGHTING CEREMONY
STAFF RECOMMENDATION:
Accept report and direct staff accordingly.
RESOLUTION: 05-062
Lorie Tinfow, Assistant City Manager, presented staff report.
Assistant City Manager Tinfow explained that in 2001 the Council established an
Economic Development program to help revitalize the Village and one of the first
activities that was established was a tree lighting ceremony. This ceremony was
held the Friday after Thanksgiving in concert with the Village Open House. This
event has become very popular and has seen an increase in attendance each year.
Unfortunately,the Economic Development program has been cut due to budget
reductions.
In past years staff has prepared posters, placed ads in the Saratoga Newspaper, and
decorated Blaney Plaza. The cost of these activities is approximately $2,000. If
Council desires to have the same type of event as in past years, funding is needed.
Staff asks Council to adopt a resolution allocating funding for this event.
Councilmember Waltonsmith inquired about the amount of money left in the
Council Contingency Fund and it was determined that there is a remaining balance
of$6,000.
Vice Mayor Kline inquired about the type of events that would be taking place in
the Village after the tree lighting ceremony and, if the Chamber was going to be
involved.
Ms. Tinfow noted that she has spoken with staff at the Chamber of Commerce;
however, it was unclear as to what their role will be.
Vice Mayor Kline noted the Village merchants have always been very
instrumental in planning the holiday open house activities and suggested that
maybe next year the Chamber becomes more involved by sponsoring this event in
the future. The City will still continue with the tree lighting ceremony and the
Chamber could announce the entire event as a chamber sponsored event.
Councilmember Kao noted that at the last Chamber of Commerce meeting they did
discuss this event; however, she was unsure as to what their commitment would
be.
Vice Mayor Kline noted that the City should still continue with the tree lighting
Minutes 10 October 5,2005
tradition this year even though it is unclear about the Chamber's plans for the
Village Open House. As in the past,the merchants will still be open to celebrate
the holiday kick off.
Councilmember Waltonsmith voiced her concern that if the Chamber doesn't have
an open house maybe we should include in our motion that we will only have the
tree lighting ceremony and cancel everything else.
Mayor King noted that she concurs with Vice Mayor Kline and if the Chamber
isn't involved this year, hopefully they will be more involved next year.
City Manager Dave Anderson added that the Village merchants started the open
house event several years ago as a great opportunity to kick off the holiday season;
and irrespective if the Chamber is involved,the individual businesses will be
participating in something and we can all work collectively to more formally
organize this event in future years.
KLINE/KAO MOVED TO ADOPT RESOLUTION AMENDING THE FY 05-
06 BUDGET FOR AN APPROPRIATION OF $2,000 FROM THE
COUNCIL CONTINGENCY FUND TO BE ALLOCATED TO THE
ANNUAL VILLAGE TREE LIGHTING CEREMONY. MOTION PASSED
4-0-1 WITH COUCILMEMBER WALTONSMITH ABSTAINING.
9. VILLAGE TASK FORCE FORMATION
STAFF RECOMMENDATION:
Authorize the creation of the Village Task Force and its proposed composition.
Lorie Tinfow, Assistant City Manager,presented staff report.
Assistant City Manager Tinfow stated that at the last meeting Council approved
moving forward with a strategy to revitalize the Saratoga Village. The first step in
the process is to designate a community group to work with the Village Ad Hoc
Committee and staff to update the Village Plan.
Assistant City Manager Tinfow explained that the Village Ad Hoc Committee
proposes the formation of a 9-member Task Force composed of the following:
• Two Councilmembers
• Three Village business representatives (property owners and non-property
owners)
• One representative from the Saratoga Village Development Council
(SVDC)
• One representative from the Planning Commission
• One representative from the Chamber of Commerce
• One representative from the Heritage Preservation Commission
Assistant City Manager Tinfow noted that specific community members have been
identified by the Ad Hoc Committee to participate and some have been
approached to determine their interest, depending Council decision.
Assistant City Manager Tinfow explained that the group would meet monthly at a
Minutes 11 October 5,2005
time and location determined by the members for a period not to exceed one year.
She also pointed out that the group would review and update the Village Plan and
bring it to Council for consideration within 4-6 months. With Council's approval
this evening,the first meeting would be scheduled for October.
Councilmember Waltonsmith asked which Councilmembers would be on the
proposed Task Force.
Mayor King responded that she and Vice Mayor Kline would be the Council
representatives on the Task Force.
Mayor King commented most cites in Santa Clara County have Redevelopment
Agencies, which make it a lot easier to invest in your Village vitality. In regards
to the SVDC, Mayor King stated that they need to work with the City more closely
regarding their proposed projects.
Vice Mayor Kline concurred with Mayor King in regards to the SVDC and added
that this group has never formalized their organization, which makes it hard for the
City to get involved with their projects.
Vice Mayor Kline requested that Mayor King be the chair of the Task Force.
Mayor King noted she would be happy to chair the Task Force after the Council
reorganization in December.
KLINE/STREIT MOVED TO APPROVE THE FORMATION OF THE
VILLAGE TASK FORCE AND ITS PROPOSED COMPOSITION.
MOTION PASSED 5-0-0.
ADHOC & AGENCY ASSIGNMENT REPORTS
Mayor Kathleen King—reported:
Hakone Foundation Liaison—the Foundation noted their financial statements for this
year looks great compared to a year ago.
Santa Clara County Association—the Association will be looking for a new executive
director due to the recent resignation of their current executive director.
West Valley Mayors and Managers Association—discussed annexation and added that
Monte Sereno is moving forward with theirs; Los Gatos has had a lot of concerns voiced
by some of their residents. They also talked about the benefits of the new Campbell Light
Rail service.
Vice Mayor Norman Kline—reported:
Valley Transportation Authority PAC—Board accepted a one-half cent sales tax for road
repairs.
Library Joint Powers Association—he just completed a year of co-chairing a committee
that was doing research on RFID technology. He explained that RFID (Radio Frequency
Identification) is the latest technology used to reduce the amount of time required to
perform library circulation operations. The Committee will report to the Board not to
implement this technology at this time as there are some issues that need to be refined.
Valley Transportation Authority PAC—The VTA PAC recommended to the Board that
they accept Silicon Valley Leadership Groups' recommendation to implement a .25 cent
sales tax with a large portion of that tax going towards the cities for roads—including
Minutes 12 October 5,2005
bicycles and trails. The Board discussed the recommendation and they are very much in
agreement with the recommendation.
Councilmember Nick Streit—reported:
West Valley Solid Waste Joint Powers Association—RFP has been sent out for a solid
waste and recycling contract and the proposals are due back mid November. A board
meeting will be set for the end of November or early part of December to begin
reviewing the process. They hope to have the new contract on line by January or early
February of 2006. The new contractor would have a year to prepare for service
beginning March 1, 2007.
City/School AdHoc—met with the new principal of Saratoga High School. The school
representatives reassured the City they would work with the Pop Warner group and the
neighbors regarding the issue of the use of the public announcement system.
Councilmember Aileen Kao—reported:
Chamber of Commerce—met last week and they noted Celebrate Saratoga was a great
success; although the Board did not disclose the profits from that event. They also
discussed the November 25th Village Open House, however,they didn't commit to the
Chamber's participation.
County HCD Policy Committee—will be meeting at 5:30 on Thursday, October 27th
Peninsula Division, League of California Cities—the third training session is scheduled
for October 20th and will be held in Mountain View.
Councilmember Ann Waltonsmith—reported:
KSAR Community Access TV Board—the new contract is moving forward and KSAR is
on its way to becoming a non-profit.
Northern Central Flood Control Zone Advisory Board—the Board will be adopting new
water rates and the 2005/2006 rates will increase by 4 percent. They are also looking for
other water districts to help provide water resources for Santa Clara County.
Saratoga Historic Foundation—the next meeting will be November 16th and she is
hopeful that each council member will be signed up as a member by then. The
Foundation is planning to invite the Council to their grand re-opening later this month.
Sister City—met last evening and the Taiko drum group is planning on hosting about 40
dignitaries from Muko Japan during the City's 50th anniversary celebration next
September. They are planning a large banquet September 23 and 24th for the Muko
visitors.
CITY COUNCIL ITEMS
Mayor King reported that Villa Montalvo will be having an Open House and she asked
staff to include the date and time in this week's Council Newsletter.
OTHER
None
CITY MANAGER'S REPORT
City Manager Dave Anderson informed the Council that Finance Director Braucht
worked on tabulating the results of Council's CIP priority setting discussion that was held
in the Adult Care Center prior to this evening's Regular Meeting. He distributed copies
to the Council.
Minutes 13 October 5,2005
Mayor King adjourned the regular meeting at 9:40 p.m. and announced that Council
would reconvene in the Administrative Conference Room to continue discussion of
Closed Session items.
ANNOUNCEMENT OF CLOSED SESSION ITEMS
Conference with Legal Counsel—Existing Litigation:
Jones v. Saratoga et al. Santa Clara County Superior Court No. 1-03-CV-010545.
Conference with Labor Negotiators (Gov't Code 54957.6):
Agency designated representatives: Dave Anderson, City Manager
Employee organization: SMO
ADJOURNED TO CLOSED SESSION
REPORT FROM CLOSED SESSION
Mayor King announced that there was no reportable information from Closed Session.
Respectfully submitted,
0/ygir,d mO
City Clerk
Minutes 14 October 5,2005