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HomeMy WebLinkAbout03-01-2017 City Council MinutesMINUTES WEDNESDAY, MARCH 1, 2017 SARATOGA CITY COUNCIL REGULAR MEETING At 5:00 p.m., the City Council held a Closed Session in the Administrative Conference Room at Saratoga City Hall at 13777 Fruitvale Avenue. At 5:30 p.m., the City Council held a joint meeting with the Planning Commission to review the Commission's work plan and priorities for 2017. The City Council approved the Planning Commissions proposed work plan items: continue to work on Village Specific Plan Policy and Design Guidelines; Creating Educational Outreach/Website Materials; Reviewing the City's Tree Regulations; and, Recommending a General Plan Element Update (Circulation, Open Space/Conservation, and Land Use). The City Council did request that the Planning Commission check in with the City Council through staff in the very early stages of its review on Tree Regulations so that the City Council may give feedback and provide guidance. REGULAR SESSION Mayor Lo called Regular Session to order at 7:01 p.m. in the Administrative Conference Room at City Hall at 13777 Fruitvale Avenue. ROLL CALL PRESENT: Mayor Emily Lo, Vice Mayor Mary -Lynne Bernald, Council Members Manny Cappello, Howard Miller, Rishi Kumar ABSENT: None ALSO PRESENT: James Lindsay, City Manager Richard Taylor, City Attorney Crystal Bothelio, City Clerk/Asst. to City Manager John Cherbone, Public Works Director Mary Furey, Finance & Administrative Services Director Erwin Ordonez, Community Development Director Michael Taylor, Recreation & Facilities Director Lauren Pettipiece, Administrative Analyst I Lori McKenna, Office Specialist III REPORT ON POSTING OF THE AGENDA Crystal Bothelio, City Clerk/Assistant to the City Manager, reported that the agenda for this meeting was properly posted on February 23, 2017. REPORT FROM CLOSED SESSION Mayor Lo announced that there was nothing to report from Closed Session. REPORT FROM JOINT MEETING Dede Smullen, Planning Commission Chair, reported that the City Council and Planning Commission discussed the Commission's work plan and priorities, as well as reviewed recent activities. The Commission plans to continue its work on the Village Specific Plan, do outreach and education, review the City's tree regulations, and work on several General Plan Updates. Saratoga City Council Minutes — Page 1 of 9 ORAL COMMUNICATIONS ON NON-AGENDIZED ITEMS None ANNOUNCEMENTS Mayor Lo announced Santa Clara County Fire Department's L.I.F.E File, a simple tool families can use to help emergency responders during a medical emergency. She also announced the Blossom Festival on March 18 in the Heritage Orchard and Civic Center. The City and Saratoga Ministerial Association will also be hosting Living Room Conversations on March 28 at 7:00 p.m. in the Joan Pisani Community Center. Additionally, she shared that PG&E rate increases will start on March 1 and a new surcharge is under consideration by the California Public Utilities Commission. For those who may be interested in transitioning to Silicon Valley Clean Energy for 100% greenhouse gas free electricity at a price less than PG&E, there will be an informational meeting on Silicon Valley Clean Energy on March 6 at 7:00 p.m. Also in March is the Lam Research Heart and Soles Race on March 25. CEREMONIAL ITEMS Commendation for Pranav Sairam Recommended Action: Present the commendation to Pranav Sairam. Mayor Lo and the City Council presented the commendation to Pranav Sairam. Public Safety Task Force Appointments Recommended Action: Approve the resolution appointing members to the Public Safety Task Force and direct the City Clerk to administer the Oath of Office to the Public Safety Task Force Members. RESOLUTION NO. 17-011 BERNALD/CAPPELLO MOVED TO APPROVE THE RESOLUTION APPOINTING MEMBERS TO THE PUBLIC SAFETY TASK FORCE AND DIRECT THE CITY CLERK TO ADMINISTER THE OATH OF OFFICE TO THE PUBLIC SAFETY TASK FORCE MEMBERS. MOTION PASSED. AYES, LO, BERNALD, CAPPELLO, MILLER, KUMAR. NOES: NONE. ABSTAIN: NONE. ABSENT: NONE. City Clerk Crystal Bothelio administered the Oath of Office to the members of the Public Safety Task Force. 1. CONSENT CALENDAR 1.1. City Council Meeting Minutes Recommended Action: Approve the City Council minutes for the Regular City Council Meeting on February 1, 2017, City Council Retreat on February 3, 2017, and Regular City Council Meeting on February 15, 2017. Saratoga City Council Minutes — Page 2 of 9 BERNALD/CAPPELLO MOVED TO APPROVE THE CITY COUNCIL MINUTES FOR THE REGULAR CITY COUNCIL MEETING ON FEBRUARY 1, 2017, CITY COUNCIL RETREAT ON FEBRUARY 3, 2017, AND REGULAR CITY COUNCIL MEETING ON FEBRUARY 15, 2017. MOTION PASSED. AYES, LO, BERNALD, CAPPELLO, MILLER, KUMAR. NOES: NONE. ABSTAIN: NONE. ABSENT: NONE. 1.2. Review of Accounts Payable Check Registers Recommended Action: Review and accept check registers for the following accounts payable payment cycles: 01/31/2017 Period 7; 02/07/2017 Period 8; 02/14/2017 Period 8; and 02/21/2017 Period 8. BERNALD/CAPPELLO MOVED TO ACCEPT CHECK REGISTERS FOR THE FOLLOWING ACCOUNTS PAYABLE PAYMENT CYCLES: 01/31/2017 PERIOD 7; 02/07/2017 PERIOD 8; 02/14/2017 PERIOD 8; AND 02/21/2017 PERIOD 8. MOTION PASSED. AYES, LO, BERNALD, CAPPELLO, MILLER, KUMAR. NOES: NONE. ABSTAIN: NONE. ABSENT: NONE. 1.3. Treasurer's Report for the Month Ended January 31, 2017 Recommended Action: Review and accept the amended Treasurer's Report for the month ended January 31, 2017. BERNALD/CAPPELLO MOVED TO ACCEPT THE AMENDED TREASURER'S REPORT FOR THE MONTH ENDED JANUARY 31, 2017. MOTION PASSED. AYES, LO, BERNALD, CAPPELLO, MILLER, KUMAR. NOES: NONE. ABSTAIN: NONE. ABSENT: NONE. 1.4. Motor Vehicle Resolutions Restricting Parking on Saint Charles Street Recommended Action: Adopt Motor Vehicle Resolution restricting parking on Saint Charles Street. Mayor Lo removed this item from the Consent Calendar at the request of a member of the public. Alan Dussau spoke in opposition of the resolution. Public Works Director John Cherbone addressed questions from the City Council. MV RESOLUTION NO. 315 CAPPELLO/BERNALD MOVED TO ADOPT MOTOR VEHICLE RESOLUTION RESTRICTING PARKING ON SAINT CHARLES STREET. MOTION PASSED. AYES, LO, BERNALD, CAPPELLO, MILLER, KUMAR. NOES: NONE. ABSTAIN: NONE. ABSENT: NONE. 1.5. Motor Vehicle (MV) Resolution Revising Parking Restrictions at Melinda Circle Recommended Action: Revise the Motor Vehicle (MV) Resolution restricting parking on Melinda Circle. Saratoga City Council Minutes — Page 3 of 9 MV RESOLUTION NO. 316 BERNALD/CAPPELLO MOVED TO ADOPT THE REVISED THE MOTOR VEHICLE (MV) RESOLUTION RESTRICTING PARKING ON MELINDA CIRCLE. MOTION PASSED. AYES, LO, BERNALD, CAPPELLO, MILLER, KUMAR. NOES: NONE. ABSTAIN: NONE. ABSENT: NONE. 1.6. Update to City Council Norms of Operation Recommended Action: Approve the resolution amending the City Council Norms of Operation. RESOLUTION NO. 17-012 BERNALD/CAPPELLO MOVED TO APPROVE THE RESOLUTION AMENDING THE CITY COUNCIL NORMS OF OPERATION. MOTION PASSED. AYES, LO, BERNALD, CAPPELLO, MILLER, KUMAR. NOES: NONE. ABSTAIN: NONE. ABSENT: NONE. 1.7. Request for Reallocation of Community Event Grant Funds from SVDC Recommended Action: Reallocate $820 in Community Event Grant Program funding from the SVDC Pet Parade to the St. Paddy's Party. BERNALD/CAPPELLO MOVED TO REALLOCATE $820 IN COMMUNITY EVENT GRANT PROGRAM FUNDING FROM THE SVDC PET PARADE TO THE ST. PADDY'S PARTY. MOTION PASSED. AYES, LO, BERNALD, CAPPELLO, MILLER, KUMAR. NOES: NONE. ABSTAIN: NONE. ABSENT: NONE. 2. PUBLIC HEARING None 3. OLD BUSINESS None 4. NEW BUSINESS 4.1. Quarterly Communications Report Recommended Action: Provide direction on 2017 spring communication efforts; online survey topics and either an annual Saratogan with a monthly email newsletter or a quarterly Saratogan with a limited monthly email newsletter. Lauren Pettipiece, Administrative Analyst I, presented the staff report on this item. Council Member Miller noted that the proposed video on the Heritage Trees was intended to be produced prior to the America in Bloom judges' visit in May. The intent of the video is to produce a variety of still images of the City's heritage trees along with maps showing their location. Additionally, he requested prioritization of a list of plants used by the City to Saratoga City Council Minutes — Page 4 of 9 be published on the City website. He also expressed support for the option in the staff report to make the Saratogan an annual publication and to create a monthly e -newsletter. Council Member Kumar commented on the effectiveness of the City's use of Nextdoor. He proposed sharing trending topics posted by residents on Nextdoor through the City's monthly e -newsletter. He also noted that many residents are unaware of what the City is doing or may be unable to attend meetings. So, it would be helpful to share information about upcoming agenda items in the e -newsletter and collect feedback on items online. Mayor Lo added that it would be fine to let residents know what is coming up on the agenda, but the schedule of upcoming items is fluid. So, it may be prudent to wait until 3 to 4 days before the meeting to announce agenda items. Council Member Miller suggested that agenda items be announced when there is a staff report or additional information to refer the public to. Council Member Cappello added that Nextdoor and other Social Media sites might be a better place to announce upcoming agenda items. He also expressed support for an annual Saratogan and monthly e -newsletter. Vice Mayor Bernald suggested an article on composting in the Spring Saratogan. Mayor Lo proposed a simple print version of the monthly e -newsletter printed in house and distributed locally. Mayor Lo invited public comment. No one requested to speak. Council Member Miller suggested that the article on composting might also include information about what can be placed in the recycling container. He also proposed a mention of the America in Bloom judges visit in May with a recommendation to plant spring colors before then. He suggested that the article on Silicon Valley Clean Energy align with the organization's core message of greenhouse gas free and cleaner energy and cheaper than PG&E. He also expressed support with the theme of the Spring Saratogan, the planned surveys, and for the option to transition to an annual Saratogan and monthly electronic email newsletter. He deferred to the Mayor on printing the monthly e -newsletter. Mayor Lo suggested the Spring Saratogan may be a good issue to invite residents to visit parks and trails. Council Member Kumar suggested including links to Nextdoor posts in City e - communications to encourage residents to sign up for Nextdoor. He also recommended limiting the monthly e -newsletter to 2 pages and suggested sending a postcard with public safety reminders and tips twice a year, at the beginning of summer and around Thanksgiving. Council Member Cappello supported printing the Saratogan once a year and transitioning to a monthly e -newsletter. He also noted that the Public Safety Task Force Members should be given the chance to take the lead on making recommendations on City communications Saratoga City Council Minutes — Page 5 of 9 related to safety before the City commits to anything like sending a postcard on safety reminders and tips. Vice Mayor Bernald also supported printing the Saratogan once a year and transitioning to a monthly e -newsletter. She added that a significant segment of the City's population includes seniors who may not be comfortable using computers, so it would be useful to have a printed version of the e -newsletter distributed locally. She added that she hopes the website will make it easier for residents to find desired information and noted the efforts of the Chamber of Commerce in publicizing community events on their online calendar. She also agreed with Council Member Cappello's comments regarding the Public Safety Task Force. Mayor Lo expressed support for printing the Saratogan once a year and transitioning to a monthly e -newsletter. 4.2. Website Layout and Color Scheme Proposal Recommended Action: Provide input to staff. Crystal Bothelio, City Clerk/Assistant to the City Manager, presented the staff report. Mayor Lo invited public comment. No one requested to speak. Council Member Kumar noted that more progressive website designs rely more on horizontal panels that users scroll through. The layout does not appear to reflect that. Council Member Miller cautioned against the use of gray text as it is harder for those with visual impairments to read and for screen readers to identify. He recommended high contrast background and text colors. He also requested that all content be accessible by relying more on text and using alt -text so that someone who is blind can use a screen reader or braille translator. He noted that the sticky Google translate button on the bottom of one of the example sites did not work. He also suggested optimizing language on the website for Chinese translation. He observed that the global navigation of example sites on mobile becomes a cumbersome and complicated dropdown menu system. He also advised against use of frames. He noted that if the City is careful in managing its content, it can likely avoid some of the issues observed on the sample websites. Without careful oversight, any simple and elegant design can become complicated over time. Council Member Kumar added a recommendation to make the website senior friendly. He agreed that gray text is hard to read. He advised that the colors be easy to view and be used to draw attention to important content. He spoke in favor of simple designs and URLs. 4.3. FY 2016/17 Mid -Year Budget Status Report and Budget Adjustment Resolution Recommended Action: Review Mid -Year Budget Status Report and adopt the attached resolution approving the proposed budget adjustments. Mary Furey, Finance & Administrative Services Director, presented the staff report. Mayor Lo invited public comment on the item. Saratoga City Council Minutes — Page 6 of 9 No one requested to speak. RESOLUTION NO. 17-013 MILLER/BERNALD MOVED TO APPROVE THE RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING THE PROPOSED BUDGET ADJUSTMENTS AND DIRECTED STAFF TO INCLUDE LANGUAGE THAT SPECIFIES THE MID -YEAR BUDGET ADJUSTMENTS IN THE RESOLUTION. MOTION PASSED. AYES, LO, BERNALD, CAPPELLO, MILLER, KUMAR. NOES: NONE. ABSTAIN: NONE. ABSENT: NONE. 4.4. Public Art Committee Recommendations Recommended Action: Consider recommendations from the Public Art Committee to authorize a local artist to paint a utility box at the entrance to the Village; allocate funds and authorize placement of Willys and Betty Peck bronzes in Blaney Plaza; and, designate a public art allowance of $15,000 in the Fiscal Year 2017/18 Operating Budget. Crystal Bothelio, City Clerk/Assistant to the City Manager, presented the staff report. Mayor Lo invited public comment. The following people requested to speak: Joan Bose Hugh Roberts Jill Hunter No one else requested to speak. BERNALD/CAPPELLO MOVED TO AUTHORIZE A LOCAL ARTIST TO PAINT A UTILITY AT THE ENTRANCE OF THE VILLAGE; AUTHORIZE PLACEMENT OF THE WILLYS AND BETTY PECK BRONZES IN BLANEY PLAZA; ALLOCATE $10,000 TOWARDS THE BRONZES AND ANOTHER $5,000 IN ONE- FOR-ONE MATCHING FUNDS FROM THE FISCAL YEAR 2016/17 COUNCIL DISCRETIONARY FUND; AND DESIGNATE A PUBLIC ART ALLOWANCE OF $15,000 IN THE FISCAL YEAR 2017/18 OPERATING BUDGET. MOTION PASSED. AYES, LO, BERNALD, CAPPELLO, MILLER, KUMAR. NOES: NONE. ABSTAIN: NONE. ABSENT: NONE. CITY COUNCIL ASSIGNMENT REPORTS Mayor Emily Lo Hakone Foundation Board & Executive Committee — during the meeting last week, the Board adopted an employee emergency action plan and a donor recognition policy. Changes regarding term limits in the bylaws were also approved. West Valley Mayors and Managers — during the meeting last week, the group received an update on Next Network. The group also discussed State and regional legislation that impacts the West Saratoga City Council Minutes — Page 7 of 9 Valley area, a ballot measure in Campbell relating to marijuana, and a proposal for a senior transportation pilot from Supervisor Simitian. Vice Mayor Mary -Lynne Bernald Cities Association of Santa Clara County -Legislative Action Committee — the Committee received reports on Senate Bill (SB) 2 and SB 3. The members unanimously supported SB 2, if amended with assurance funds will be directed to local projects. Members unanimously recommended support of SB 3. Additionally, Vice Mayor Bernald will be working with Palo Alto Mayor Greg Scharff on the Cities Association Healthy Policy Subcommittee. Cities Association of Santa Clara County -Selection Committee — During the February 9 meeting, the Committee made appointments to the Santa Clara County Emergency Operational Area Council, Local Agency Formation Commission, and Association of Bay Area Governments Executive Board. Public Art Committee — the Committee met on February 21. Many of the items from that meeting were reported out as part of the Public Art Committee item on tonight's agenda. Saratoga Historical Foundation — the Foundation held a meeting on February 16. Santa Clara County Recycling and Waste Reduction Commission — the Commission received a report on composting that was very informative. Vice Mayor Bernald added that she will be attending the Congress Springs Little League opening day on March 4 and the Silicon Valley Clean Energy community meeting on March 6. Council Member Manny Cappello Cities Association of Santa Clara County — during the February 9 meeting, the Cities Association received a report from VTA staff on Next Network and an update on the Measure A Affordable Housing Bond implementation. Santa Clara County Housing and Community Development (HCD) Council Committee — the Committee will be meeting in March to consider allocation recommendations. Saratoga Area Senior Coordinating Council (SASCC) — membership continues to increase and there are now more than 900 members. SASCC id doing a great job offering programming and services that older adults value. There is also a new free coffee station at the entrance to the Senior Center. West Valley Sanitation District — the next meeting is March 8. Council Member Cappello shared that he attended the Abrahamic Religious Trialogue at Congregation Beth David on February 25. Clergy from several faiths presented. There were 300 to 400 people in attendance and the event was very well received. Council Member Howard Miller America in Bloom Committee — judges are expected in early May and there is a lot of activity to prepare for their visit. This year's theme is spot color, so there are efforts to add color to the Village. There will be a community work day on March 25 to add color and clean up the Village. Next year's theme for the contests will be medians. The Committee is working to have bee - friendly plants located in the medians. Saratoga Ministerial Association — during the last meeting, the group discussed the Living Room Conversations events. There was also discussion of recent attacks and threats against the Jewish community. The group demonstrated a lot of support and comradery. Silicon Valley Clean Energy Authority Board of Directors — the first migration of energy users to Silicon Valley Clean Energy will take place on March 3. Silicon Valley Clean Energy is offering 100% greenhouse gas free and 50% renewable energy at a price less than PG&E. Council Member Miller has been assigned to the Risk Management Committee and remains on the Saratoga City Council Minutes — Page 8 of 9 Executive Committee. The Board will be considering an option to advance implementation by combining phases 2 and 3, which would mean that by July all of Saratoga would be part of Silicon Valley Clean Energy. Solar customers can sign up for the Green Prime option now. VTA State Route 85 Corridor Policy Advisory Board — the meeting schedule has been reduced to 4 meetings in 2017. It appears that there may be a lack of progress. Measure B was discussed in a limited manner. A number of components of the measure that impact State Route 85 were not discussed. Council Member Rishi Kumar Saratoga Chamber of Commerce & Destination Saratoga — during the recent Chamber meeting, the group discussed A1ertSCC and also how to report a fallen tree. The group also discussed use of encroachment permits to install security cameras in the public right of way and emailing safety tips to Chamber members. The group also considered opportunities to create synergy between local businesses and community events, like the Movie Night events hosted by the City. Saratoga Sister City Organization — the Sister City group will meet the week of March 6. Santa Clara Valley Water District Commission — the next meeting will be in April, but Council Member Kumar has been working with another member of the Commission from the City of Monte Sereno to oppose recent letters from San Jose Water regarding rate increases. CITY COUNCIL ITEMS Council Member Cappello requested an agenda item to consider an allocation of funds from the Fiscal Year 2016/17 budget to purchase banners and use median banner space for the Living Room Conversation events. The estimated cost is roughly $1,000. Council Member Miller supported the request. CITY MANAGER'S REPORT City Manager James Lindsay had nothing to report. City Attorney Richard Taylor shared that the State Supreme Court would be issuing a decision on Smith v. San Jose on use of electronic devices on March 2. ADJOURNMENT BERNALD/MILLER MOVED TO ADJOURN THE MEETING AT 8:58 P.M. MOTION PASSED. AYES, LO, BERNALD, CAPPELLO, MILLER, KUMAR. NOES: NONE. ABSTAIN: NONE. ABSENT: NONE. Minutes respetfulJ,y subnijtted: Crystal Bothelio, City Clerk City of Saratoga Saratoga City Council Minutes — Page 9 of 9