HomeMy WebLinkAbout05-06-2015 City Council MinutesMINUTES
WEDNESDAY, MAY 6, 2015
SARATOGA CITY COUNCIL SPECIAL MEETING
At 5:00 p.m., the Saratoga City Council called the Special Meeting to order in the Administrative
Conference Room at Saratoga City Hall at 13777 Fruitvale Avenue and adjourned to Closed
Session. At 6:00 p.m., the City Council held a Joint Meeting with the Saratoga Area Senior
Coordinating Council (SASCC). The Special Meeting was continued.
SARATOGA CITY COUNCIL REGULAR MEETING
Mayor Miller called the meeting to order at 7:03 p.m. and led the Pledge of Allegiance.
ROLL CALL
PRESENT Mayor Howard Miller, Vice Mayor Manny Cappello, Council
Members Emily Lo, Mary -Lynne Bernald, Rishi Kumar
ABSENT None
ALSO PRESENT James Lindsay, City Manager
Richard Taylor. City Attorney
Crystal Bothelio, City Clerk
John Cherhone, Public Works Director
Mary Furey, Finance & Administrative Services Director
Erwin Ordofiez. Community Development Director
Michael Taylor, Recreation & Facilities Director
Monica LaBossicre, human Resources Manager
Tony McFarlane, Finance Manager
Kate Bear, City Arborist
REPORT OF CITY CLERK ON POSTING OF AGENDA
City Clerk Crystal Bothelio reported that the agenda for this meeting was properly posted on
May L2015.
REPORT FROM CLOSED SESSION
Mayor Miller announced that the City Council unanimously voted to initiate litigation against the
California Department of Transportation (Caltrans) for failing w comply with the California
Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) in connection with the proposed State Route 85 Express
Lanes Protect.
COMMUNICATIONS FROM COMMISSIONS & PUBLIC
Oral Communications en Non-Agendized Items
Ann Waltonsmith, Chair of the Hakone Foundation, announced the Matsuri Festival on May 17
from 11:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. ut Hakone Gardens. Admission is Free and free parking and shuttle
service will be available at West Valley College. Parking at Hakone Gardens will be S40 per car.
More information is online at www hakone coin.
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Paul Hernandez requested that the City Council consider creating a program, such as a financial
assistance or loan program, to help residents remove dead Monterey pine trees to prevent spread
of Monterey beetles.
Debby Rice announced the Pampered Pig events at Fatima Villa on June 27, 2015. The events
will include a Pampered Pig Stampede and Pampered Royal Pig Derby More information is
online at http nww faumaN ilia ore node 274.
Barry Chang, Vice Mayor of Cupertino, thanked the City Council for its decision to initiate
litigation against Caltrans and suggested that the members of the Saratoga City Council reach out
to the Town of Los Gatos regarding litigation against Caltrans. He also asked the City Council to
consider writing a letter to the Environmental Protection Agency about the Lehigh Quarry
Bill Ford thanked the City Council for its decision to initiate litigation against Caltrans.
Mary Robertson thanked the City Council for voting to initiate litigation against Caltrans.
Anjali Kausar thanked the City Council for initiating litigation against Caltrans.
Karen Fredericks thanked the City Council for initiating litigation and shared her concerns about
the environmental impacts of State Route 85.
Cheriel Jensen thanked the City Council for agreeing to initiate litigation against Caltrans.
Lisa Huening, President of the Saratoga Area Senior Coordinating Council (SASCC) Board of
Directors, provided an overview of the City Council's Joint Meeting with SASCC and shared
information about expanded social services that the Board hopes to bring to the Senior Center in
the near future.
Oral Communications - Council Direction to Staff
None
Communications from Boards and Commissions
None
Council Direction to Staff
None
ANNOUNCEMENTS
Council Member Kumar announced the Saratoga Chamber of Commerce s Wine Stroll on May
9 2015. The event will feature over 40 wineries and tickets can be purchased in advance online
at http: «zw w.saratoeaehamber ora He also provided information about a creek cleanup event
on May 9, 2015 at 10:00 a.m. organized by the City and the West Valley Clean Water Program.
Boy Scouts and Girl Scouts are invited to participate in the cleanup. Additionally, Saratoga Cares
Foundation will be holding an open mic night at Blue Rock Shoot on Friday, May 8. The event is
free and open to the public. On Sunday, May 10, there are also a number of free classes open to
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the public. They include yoga medication classes. Information is online at
tinyurl.com/saratogaclass. He also announced that Stride for Susie will take place on May 24,
2015. Information is available at tinyurl.com/teamsusie2015.
Council Member Bernald shared information about the Saratoga Historical Foundation s lecture
on the Castroville Mammoth and Paleo-Indians Discovery The lecture is on May 14 at 7:30 p.m.
at the Foothill Club. Information is online at http: \v\vw saratogahistorc.cont On May 21, 2015
at 6:00 p.m., the Sister City group will be holding a meeting at Hakone Gardens. The meeting is
open to the public. Attendees are encouraged to bring a potluck dish to share.
Council Member Lo announced the Crime Prevention Forum, hosted by the City of Saratoga and
the Santa Clara County Sheriff's Office, on May 19, 2015 from 6:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m. at the
Saratoga Senior Center. She also wanted to remind the public that the Wednesday farmers
market at Blaney Plaza has resumed. The market runs from 2:30 p.m. to 7:00 p.m.
Vice Mayor Cappello shared information about upcoming orientations for LinkAges TimeBank
on June 17 at the Saratoga Library and on June 23 at the Saratoga Senior Center. Residents can
register online at https 'timehank Imkages.org
Mayor Miller announced that local water agencies will soon be making announcements about
requirements to reduce water consumption. Additionally, the City and Parks and Recreation
Commission are hosting Let's World At Saratoga Quarry Park on May 19 and June 13.
Volunteers can attend to help get the Quarry Park ready to open in the Fall. Also, the City's
summer movie series will be starting this June on the third Friday of the month. Lastly, he shared
information about summer camps available through the City of Saratoga Recreation Department.
Information is available in the Saratoga Recreation Guide.
CEREMONIAL ITEMS
1. Foster Care/Resource Parent Appreciation Month
Recommended action:
Present the proclamation declaring May 2015 as Foster Care/Resource Parent Appreciation
Month.
Mayor Miller presented the proclamation declaring May 2015 as Foster Care/Resource
Parent Appreciation Month.
SPECIAL PRESENTATIONS
None
CONSENT CALENDAR
2. City Council Meeting Minutes
Recommended action:
Approve the City Council minutes for the Special Meeting on April 13, 2015 and the Special
and Regular City Council Meeting on April 15, 2015.
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CAPPELLO/KUMAR MOVED TO APPROVE THE CITY COUNCIL MINUTES FOR
THE SPECIAL MEETING ON APRIL 13, 2015 AND THE SPECIAL AND
REGULAR CITY COUNCIL MEETING ON APRIL 15, 2015. MOTION PASSED.
AYES. MILLER, CAPPELLO, LO, BERNALD, KUMAR. NOES. NONE. ABSTAIN:
NONE. ABSENT NONE.
3. Review of Accounts Payable Check Registers
Recommended action:
Review and accept check registers for the following accounts payable payment cycles:
4/14/2015 Period 10
4/21/2015 Period 10
4/28/2015 Period 10
CAPPELLO/KUMAR MOVED TO ACCEPT CHECK REGISTERS FOR THE
FOLLOWING ACCOUNTS PAYABLE PAYMENT CYCLES: 4/14/2015 PERIOD 10;
4/21/2015 PERIOD 10; AND 4/28/2015 PERIOD 10. MOTION PASSED. AYES.
MILLER, CAPPELLO, LO, BERNALD KUMAR. NOES. NONE. ABSTAIN: NONE.
ABSENT NONE.
4. Treasurer's Report for the Month Ended March 31, 2015
Recommended action:
Review and accept the Treasurer's Report for the month ended March 31, 2015.
CAPPELLO/KUMAR MOVED TO ACCEPT THE TREASURER'S REPORT FOR
THE MONTH ENDED MARCH 31, 2015. MOTION PASSED. AYES. MILLER,
CAPPELLO LO, BERNALD, KUMAR. NOES. NONE. ABSTAIN: NONE. ABSENT
NONE.
5. Transportation Development Act (TDA) Article 3 Application for the Saratoga Avenue
Walkway Project
Recommended action:
Adopt resolution supporting the Metropolitan Transportation Commission's Transportation
Development Act Article 3 Pedestrian/Bicycle Grant Application for the Saratoga Avenue
Walkway Project.
RESOLUTION NO. 15-023
CAPPELLO/KUMAR MOVED TO ADOPT RESOLUTION SUPPORTING THE
METROPOLITAN TRANSPORTATION COMMISSION'S TRANSPORTATION
DEVELOPMENT ACT ARTICLE 3 PEDESTRIAN/BICYCLE GRANT
APPLICATION FOR THE SARATOGA AVENUE WALKWAY PROJECT MOTION
PASSED. AYES. MILLER, CAPPELLO, LO, BERNALD, KUMAR. NOES. NONE.
ABSTAIN: NONE. ABSENT NONE.
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6. Village Creek Trail Design: Budget Resolution, Design Contract, Trail Easement Acceptance
Recommended action:
1. Approve budget adjustment.
2. Approve Professional Design Services Contract with Alta Planning and Design in the
amount of $26,144 for design services, authorize the City Manager to execute the same
and authorize staff to approve additional costs up to 10% of the contract amount ($2,600)
as a project contingency.
3. Approve Resolution accepting Offer to Dedicate Pedestrian Trail Easement from Mr. and
Mrs. Rosenfeld and authorize the City Manager to sign the Certificate of Acceptance.
Council Member Kumar removed this item from the Consent Calendar to request additional
information.
Public Works Director John Cherbone addressed Council questions.
Mayor Miller invited public comment on this item.
No one requested to speak.
RESOLUTIONS NO. 15-024 & 15-025
KUMAR/LO MOVED TO APPROVE: 1) THE BUDGET ADJUSTMENT; 21
PROFESSIONAL DESIGN SERVICES CONTRACT WITH ALTA PLANNING AND
DESIGN IN THE AMOUNT OF $26,144 FOR DESIGN SERVICES, AUTHORIZE
THE CITY MANAGER TO EXECUTE THE SAME AND AUTHORIZE STAFF TO
APPROVE ADDITIONAL COSTS UP TO 10% OF THE CONTRACT AMOUNT
f$2,600) AS A PROJECT CONTINGENCY. AND 3) RESOLUTION ACCEPTING
OFFER TO DEDICATE PEDESTRIAN TRAIL EASEMENT FROM MR. AND MRS.
ROSENFELD AND AUTHORIZE THE CITY MANAGER TO SIGN THE
CERTIFICATE OF ACCEPTANCE. MOTION PASSED. AYES. MILLER, CAPPELLO,
LO, BERNALD KUMAR. NOES. NONE. ABSTAIN: NONE. ABSENT NONE.
7 Resolution of Support for Senate Bill 16
Recommended action:
Adopt resolution of support for Senate Bill 16.
Council Member Lo removed this item from the Consent Calendar to request additional
information.
City Clerk Crystal Bothelio addressed questions from the City Council.
Mayor Miller noted that he signed letters of support for Senate Bills 16 and 321.
Mayor Miller invited public comment on the item.
No one requested to speak.
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RESOLUTION NO. 15-026
LO/BERNALD MOVED TO ADOPT RESOLUTION OF SUPPORT FOR SENATE
BILL 16 MOTION PASSED. AYES. MILLER, CAPPELLO, LO, BERNALD, KUMAR.
NOES. NONE. ABSTAIN: NONE. ABSENT NONE.
8. Resolution of Support for Senate Bill 321
Recommended action:
Approve resolution of support for Senate Bill 321.
RESOLUTION NO. 15-027
CAPPELLO/KUMAR MOVED TO APPROVE RESOLUTION OF SUPPORT FOR
SENATE BILL 321. MOTION PASSED. AYES. MILLER, CAPPELLO, LO, BERNALD,
KUMAR. NOES. NONE. ABSTAIN: NONE. ABSENT NONE.
PUBLIC HEARINGS
9 Ordinance Amending Article 16-60 - Early Waming Fire Alarm System
Recommended action:
Conduct public hearing; introduce and waive the first reading of the attached ordinance
updating Article 16-60 of the City Code; and direct stats to place the ordinance on the
Consent Calendar for adoption at the June 3, 2015 City Council meeting.
Community Development Director Erwin Ordmiez presented the staff report on this item.
Joe Long, Saratoga Fire Protection District Fire Commission Chair, addressed the City
Council and provided additional information on the item.
Mayor Miller invited public comment on this item.
The following person requested to speak.
Paul Hernandez
No one else requested to speak.
BERNALD/CAPPELLO MOVED TO WAIVE THE FIRST READING OF THE
ORDINANCE UPDATING ARTICLE 16-60 OF THE CITY CODE; AND DIRECT
STAFF TO PLACE THE ORDINANCE ON THE CONSENT CALENDAR FOR
ADOPTION AT THE JUNE 3, 2015 CITY COUNCIL MEETING, CONTINGENT
UPON SARATOGA FIRE PROTECTION DISTRICT ACTION ON EARLY
WARNING FIRE ALARM SYSTEM. MOTION PASSED. AYES. MILLER,
CAPPELLO, LO, BERNALD, KUMAR. NOES. NONE. ABSTAIN: NONE. ABSENT
NONE.
OLD BUSINESS
None
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NEW BUSINESS
10. Amendment to Lease Agreement with Hakone Foundation
Recommended action:
Approve amendment to lease agreement with Hakone Foundation to reduce the number of
members of the Board of Trustees from fifteen to nine.
City Attorney Richard Taylor presented the staff report on this item.
Mayor Miller invited public comment on this item.
The following people requested to speak.
Mike Story
Ann Waltonsmith, Chair of the Hakone Foundation Board
No one else requested to speak.
LO/CAPPELLO MOVED TO APPROVE AMENDMENT TO LEASE AGREEMENT
WITH HAKONE FOUNDATION TO SET THE MINIMUM NUMBER OF
MEMBERS OF THE BOARD OF TRUSTEES AT NINE. MOTION PASSED. AYES.
MILLER, CAPPELLO LO BERNALD, KUMAR. NOES. NONE. ABSTAIN: NONE.
ABSENT NONE.
11. The Effects of Drought Stress on Trees Citywide
Recommended action:
Receive report.
City Arborist Kate Bear presented the staff report.
Mayor Miller invited public comment on the item.
No one requested to speak.
KUMAR/CAPPELLO MOVED TO DIRECT STAFF TO RETURN WITH AN
ORDINANCE UPDATING TREE REGULATIONS THAT MAINTAINS THE
CURRENT VALUES OF THE CITY'S TREE REGULATIONS, REQUIRES
REPLACEMENT OF DEAD TREES, AND SIMPLIFIES THE REMOVAL PROCESS
FOR DEAD TREES, INCLUDING THE POSSIBILITY OF OVER-THE-COUNTER
TREE REMOVAL PERMITS. MOTION PASSED. AYES. MILLER, CAPPELLO, LO,
BERNALD, KUMAR. NOES. NONE. ABSTAIN: NONE. ABSENT NONE.
BERNALD/LO MOVED TO DIRECT STAFF TO BRING FORWARD A REPORT TO
THE CITY COUNCIL ON LOCAL JURISDICTIONS THAT REQUIRE
MANDATORY REMOVAL OF DEAD TREES. MOTION PASSED. AYES. MILLER,
CAPPELLO, LO, BERNALD KUMAR. NOES. NONE. ABSTAIN: NONE. ABSENT
NONE.
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12. Council Resolution to Adopt Memorandum of Understanding for the Saratoga Employee
Association ("SEA") July 1, 2015 to June 30, 2019
Recommended action:
Staff recommends the City Council approve the proposed Memorandum of Understanding
(MOU) and adopt Council Resolution to Adopt Memorandum of Understanding for the
Saratoga Employee Association ("SEA") July 1, 2015 to June 30, 2019
Finance Manager Tony McFarlane and Human Resources Manager Monica LaBossiere
presented the staff report on this item. The MOU was provided to the City Council as a
supplemental attachment following Closed Session on May 6, 2015 at 5:00 p.m. Copies were
made available to the public at the meeting and the MOU was posted on the City of Saratoga
website.
Mayor Miller invited public comment on this item.
No one requested to speak.
RESOLUTION NO. 15-028
CAPPELLO/LO MOVED TO ADOPT COUNCIL RESOLUTION TO ADOPT
MEMORANDUM OF UNDERSTANDING FOR THE SARATOGA EMPLOYEE
ASSOCIATION ("SEA") JULY 1, 2015 TO JUNE 30, 2019 MOTION PASSED. AYES.
MILLER, CAPPELLO, LO, BERNALD, KUMAR. NOES. NONE. ABSTAIN: NONE.
ABSENT NONE.
CITY COUNCIL ASSIGNMENT REPORTS
Mayor Howard Miller
Council Finance Committee — there was no meeting this month, but the Finance Committee
received a draft of the budget. The draft will be going to the rest of the Council in the next few
days. There are no big changes, just refinement to numbers.
Valley Transportation Authority (VTA) Poled' Advisory Committee — the Committee next meets
on May 14, 2015.
West Valley Mayors and Managers Association — the next meeting is May 27, 2015.
West Valley Solid Waste Management Joint Powers Authority — the next meeting is on May 7,
2015.
Vice Mayor Manny Cappello
Architecture 101 Ad Hoc Committee — the Architecture 101 meeting went really well and helped
serve as a starting point for the City Council, Planning Commission, and Heritage Preservation
Commission to embark on the Village visioning process.
Santa Clara County Housing and Community Development (HCD) Council Committee — during
the meeting on April 20, 2015. the Committee reviewed the 5 year Consolidated Plan. While two
top priorities of the plan continue to be addressing homelessness and providing affordable
housing, a survey conducted as part of the plan update showed that there is renewed interest in
senior housing. services, and activities.
Saratoga Area Senior Coordinating Council (SASCG) — during the last meeting. the Board
discussed renovations to the senior center and bringing in new Board Members. There was also
discussion about Adult Care services.
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Council Member Emily Lo
Hakone Foundation Board & Executive Committee — at the April 27 Board Meeting, the Board
approved extensive changes to the bylaws. On April 28, there was a second public meeting on
the Hakone Gardens Master Plan.
Council Member Mary -Lynne Bemald
Architecture 101 Ad Hoc Committee — the Architecture 101 meeting was held on April 29, 2015.
Association of Bay Area Governments — there was a lack of a quorum at the Spring General
Assembly, but there was an interesting presentation and discussion on regional housing needs
allocations and water conservation.
Saratoga Sister City Organization — the group met on May 5, 2015 and had an interesting
discussion about Hakone. Additionally, the Sister City website is not live. The next meeting is on
May 21, 2015 and the public is invited to attend.
Council Member Rishi Kumar
No Report
CITY COUNCIL ITEMS
Council Member Kumar asked if there was interest in having information about City projects
posted on the City website.
City Manager James Lindsay explained that the City will be putting signage up to notify
neighbors of City -related projects at the project site and will include a web address with more
information about the project.
Council Member Kumar proposed creation of a certificate that Council Members can distribute
as they see fit.
CITY MANAGER'S REPORT
City Manager James Lindsay said he had nothing to report.
City Attorney Richard Taylor announced that he will be going on vacation and Catherine
Engberg will be acting City Attorney in his absence.
ADJOURNMENT
At 9:56 p.m., Mayor Miller recessed the regular meeting to the Administrative Conference
Room. Upon returning to the Administrative Conference Room, the City Council would then
return to the Special Meeting previously continued and the Regular Meeting. The Special
Meeting and Regular Meeting were adjourned at 10:50 p.m.
Mi ores respec full ubmitted:
Crystat$othelio, City Clerk
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