HomeMy WebLinkAbout03-28-2022 City Council Agenda Packet AmendedSaratoga City Council Agenda March 28, 2022 – Page 1 of 3
SARATOGA CITY COUNCIL
SPECIAL MEETING
MARCH 28, 2022
AMENDED AGENDA
• 3/25/2022 HERITAGE PRESERVATION COMMISSION WORK PLAN STAFF
REPORT REVISED
• 3/25/2022 TRAFFIC SAFETY COMMISSION WORK PLAN STAFF REPORT
REVISED
• 3/28/2022 HERITAGE PRESERVATION COMMISSION WORK PLAN
ATTACHMENT A REVISED
Teleconference/Public Participation Information to Mitigate the Spread of COVID‐19
This meeting will be held entirely by teleconference. All members of the City Council and staff will only
participate via the Zoom platform using the process described below. The meeting is being conducted
pursuant to recent amendments to the teleconference rules required by the Ralph M. Brown Act allowing
teleconferencing during a proclaimed state of emergency when local official have recommended social
distancing. The purpose of the amendments is to provide the safest environment for the public, elected
officials, and staff while allowing for continued operation of the government and public participation during
the COVID-19 pandemic.
Members of the public can view and participate in the 6:00 p.m. Study Session by:
• Using the Zoom website https://us02web.zoom.us/j/83143222909; Webinar ID
831 4322 2909 OR
• Calling 1.408.638.0968 or 1.669.900.6833 and entering the Webinar ID provided above
The public will not be able to participate in the meeting in person.
As always, members of the public can send written comments to the Council prior to the meeting by
commenting online at www.saratoga.ca.us/comment prior to the start of the meeting. These emails will be
provided to the members of the Council and will become part of the official record of the meeting.
Meeting Recording Information
In accordance with the Saratoga City Council’s Meeting Recording Policy, City Council Study Sessions,
Joint Meetings, Joint Sessions, Commission Interviews, Retreats, meetings with the Planning Commission,
and Regular Session Meetings are recorded and made available following the meeting on the City website.
Public Comment
Members of the public may comment on any item for up to three (3) minutes. The amount of time for public
comment may be reduced by the Mayor or by action of the City Council.
6:00 PM COMMISSION WORK PLAN STUDY SESSION
Note: Times below are approximate. Items may be heard earlier or later than estimated. All
Commissioners are advised to arrive 15 minutes before the time shown below for their
Commission.
Saratoga City Council Agenda March 28, 2022 – Page 2 of 3
6:00 PM Heritage Preservation Commission Work Plan
Recommended Action:
Meet with Commission, discuss priorities and approve the FY 22/23 work plan
with input provided by the City Council.
6:30 PM Library & Community Engagement Commission Work Plan
Recommended Action:
Meet with Commission, discuss priorities and approve the FY 22/23 work plan
with input provided by the City Council.
7:00 PM Parks & Recreation Commission Work Plan
Recommended Action:
Meet with Commission, discuss priorities and approve the FY 22/23 work plan
with input provided by the City Council.
7:30 PM Break
7:45 PM Public Art Commission Work Plan
Recommended Action:
Meet with Commission, discuss priorities and approve the FY 22/23 work plan
with input provided by the City Council.
8:15 PM Traffic Safety Commission Work Plan
Recommended Action:
Meet with Commission, discuss priorities and approve the FY 22/23 work plan
with input provided by the City Council.
ADJOURNMENT
CERTIFICATE OF POSTING OF THE AGENDA, DISTRIBUTION OF THE AGENDA
PACKET, COMPLIANCE WITH AMERICANS WITH DISABILITIES ACT
I, Crystal Bothelio, Assistant City Manager for the City of Saratoga, declare that the foregoing
agenda for the meeting of the City Council was posted and available for review on March 24, 2022
at the City of Saratoga, 13777 Fruitvale Avenue, Saratoga, California and on the City's website
at www.saratoga.ca.us.
Signed this 24th day of March 2022 at Saratoga, California.
Crystal Bothelio, Assistant City Manager
In accordance with the Ralph M. Brown Act, copies of the staff reports and other materials
provided to the City Council by City staff in connection with this agenda, copies of materials
distributed to the City Council concurrently with the posting of the agenda, and materials
distributed to the City Council by staff after the posting of the agenda are available on the City
website at www.saratoga.ca.us and are available for review in the office of the City Clerk at 13777
Fruitvale Avenue, Saratoga, California.
Saratoga City Council Agenda March 28, 2022 – Page 3 of 3
In compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act and the Governor’s Executive Order, if
you need assistance to participate in this meeting, please contact the City Clerk at
bavrit@saratoga.ca.us or calling 408.868.1216 as soon as possible before the meeting. The City
will use its best efforts to provide reasonable accommodations to provide as much accessibility as
possible while also maintaining public safety.
[28 CFR 35.102-35.104 ADA title II]
SARATOGA CITY COUNCIL
MEETING DATE: March 28, 2022
DEPARTMENT: Community Development Department
PREPARED BY: Nicole Johnson, Senior Planner
SUBJECT: Heritage Preservation Commission Work Plan
RECOMMENDED ACTION:
Meet with Commission, discuss priorities and approve the FY 22/23 work plan with input provided
by the City Council.
BACKGROUND:
On March 9, 2022, the Heritage Preservation Commission (HPC) held their regularly scheduled
meeting and discussed their upcoming 2022/23 fiscal year (FY) work plan and proposes to work
on the following list of items in the upcoming fiscal year. A detailed description of the proposed
work plan is included in Attachment A.
1. Heritage Resource Inventory
2. Continuing Education
3. Saratoga Avenue (Heritage Lane) Inventory
4. Public Outreach
5. Plaques/Point of Interest Markers
During fiscal year 2021/2022, the HPC placed one property on the Heritage Resource inventory,
one heritage tree designation, established two landmark properties, and participated in the
Housing Element update as well as the first Harvest Day in the Heritage Orchard. The HPC also
recommend five POI markers, which are currently being installed. The HPC reviewed seven
development applications for work to be performed upon a heritage resource. In addition, HPC
members attended several online webinars focusing on historic preservation.
Current Membership
Name Term Ending
Rina Shah 12/31/2022
Sharon Boyce-Bender 12/31/2023
Priya Shastri, Chair 12/31/2024
Marie Lopresto, Vice Chair 12/31/2024
Vacant, Saratoga Historical Foundation Nominee 12/13/2025
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Budget Request
The Heritage Preservation Commission would like to request a budget allocation of $11,000 for
2022/23.
Request Requested Allocation
Four new point of interest markers $8,000
Training & Membership (California Preservation Foundation) $2,500
Preservation Month activities in May: (poster, speaker, photo
display-note photo display can be used year-after-year, etc.)
$500
Total $11,000
Roles & Responsibilities - City Code Section 13-10.040:
The Heritage Commission shall be advisory only to the City Council, the Planning Commission
and the agencies and departments of the City and shall establish liaison and work in conjunction
with such authorities to implement the purposes of this Chapter. The Heritage Commission shall
have the following powers and duties:
a) Conduct, or cause to be conducted, a comprehensive survey of properties within the
boundaries of the City for the purpose of establishing the Heritage Resource Inventory. To
qualify for inclusion in the Heritage Resource Inventory, a property must satisfy any one
or more of the criteria listed in Section 13-15.010 of this Chapter. The Inventory shall be
publicized and periodically updated, and a copy thereof shall be kept on file in the Planning
Department.
b) Recommend to the City Council specific proposals for designation as a historic landmark,
heritage lane or historic district.
c) Recommend to the appropriate City agencies or departments projects and action programs
for the recognition, conservation, enhancement and use of the City's heritage resources,
including standards to be followed with respect to any applications for permits to construct,
change, alter, remodel, remove or otherwise affect such resources.
d) Review and comment upon existing or proposed ordinances, plans or policies of the City
as they relate to heritage resources.
e) Review and comment upon all applications for building, demolition, grading or tree
removal permits involving work to be performed upon or within a designated historic
landmark, heritage lane or historic district, and all applications for tentative map approval,
rezoning, building site approval, use permit, variance approval, design review or other
approval pertaining to or significantly affecting any heritage resource. The Commission’s
comments shall be forwarded to the City agency or department processing the application
within thirty days after receiving the request for such comments.
f) Investigate and report to the City Council on the availability of federal, state, county, local
or private funding sources or programs for the rehabilitation and preservation of heritage
resources.
g) Cooperate with county, state and federal governments and with private organizations in the
pursuit of the objectives of heritage conservation.
h) Upon the request of a property owner or occupant and at the discretion of the Heritage
Commission, render advice and guidance on the conservation, rehabilitation, alteration,
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decoration, landscaping or maintenance of any heritage resource; such voluntary advice
and guidance shall not impose any regulation or control over any property.
i) Participate in, promote and conduct public information and educational programs
pertaining to heritage resources.
j) Perform such other functions as may be delegated to it by resolution or motion of the City
Council.
ATTACHMENTS:
Attachment A – Proposed FY 22/23 Work Plan
REVISIONS & UPDATES:
• Staff Report updated on March 25, 2022 to correct typo in list of proposed FY 22/23
work plan items
• Attachment A – Proposed FY 22/23 Work Plan updated on March 28, 2022 to include
working with the Parks and Recreation Commission on their Historic Plaque Program for
City Parks as part of Work Plan Item 5: Plaques/Point of Interest Markers
5
PROPOSED FISCAL YEAR 2022/2023
HERITAGE PRESERVATION COMMISSION WORK PLAN
1. Heritage Resource Inventory
Continue their duty as commissioners to recommend and work with property owners to add
eligible properties to the Heritage Resource Inventory. So far during the current fiscal year,
the HPC has added one (1) site to the Heritage Resource Inventory, one (1) Heritage Tree
and two (2) properties were recommended to the City Council for Landmark and Mills Act
contracts. There are currently nine (9) sites for consideration to be included on the
Inventory.
2. Continuing Education
The City of Saratoga is a Certified Local Government (CLG) recognized by the State of
California Office of Preservation (OHP). The CLG requires that all commissioners receive
annual training in Historic Preservation.
3. Saratoga Avenue (Heritage Lane) Inventory
Review, update, video documentation and inventory of all the homes, fences and trees along
the portion of Saratoga Avenue that is designated as Heritage Lane, for the potential
addition to the City’s Heritage Resource Inventory.
4. Public Outreach
Continue to participate in City events such as the Blossom Festival, Arbor Day, Historic
Preservation Month, the State of the City, Harvest Day and provide information about the
City’s historic preservation efforts at these events. Collaborate with the City’s Public
Information Officer in utilizing social media platforms and add helpful links and documents
and informational videos to the HPC webpage. Such items would include, but not limited to,
advantages of putting structures and trees on the Inventory, reaching out to property
owners on the Heritage Resource Inventory about applying for Landmark status, the Mills
Act program, informational signage for the Heritage Orchard, and pride in our historic
community.
5. Plaques/Point of Interest Markers
To properly recognize heritage resources and properties of special interest in our City, the
HPC would like to continue recommending to Council special sites that warrant Point of
Interest Markers (POI). The HPC is requesting funding for four (4) markers for the 2022/23
FY. In addition, the Commission will work with the Parks and Recreation Commission to
research park locations and local history for their Historic Plaque Program for City Parks.
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SARATOGA CITY COUNCIL
MEETING DATE:March 28, 2022
DEPARTMENT:City Manager’s Department
PREPARED BY:Crystal Bothelio, Assistant City Manager
SUBJECT:Library and Community Engagement Commission Work Plan
RECOMMENDED ACTION:
Meet with Commission, discuss priorities and approve FY 2022/23 work plan with input provided
by the City Council.
BACKGROUND:
The Library and Community Engagement (LCE) proposes to work on the following list of items
in the upcoming fiscal year. A detailed description of the proposed work plan is included in
Attachment A.
1.Community Event Grant Program
2.Celebrate Saratoga’s Diversity
3.Parent Student Collaboration
4.Good Neighbor Day
5.Saratoga Library and Library District Surveys
6.Saratoga Library Ambassadors
7.City of Saratoga Ambassadors
In the last year, the LCE participated in several projects and programs. This includes the
Community Harvest and providing input on City communication efforts. In April, the Commission
will review Community Event Grant Program applications and provide a funding recommendation
for City Council consideration.
Current Membership
Name Term End
Cristina Meiser September 30, 2022
Victoria Zhang, Vice Chair September 30, 2023
Eric Lewis, Chair September 30, 2024
Robert Gulino September 30, 2025
Vacant September 30, 2025
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Roles & Responsibilities – Resolution No. 20-055
RESPONSIBILITIES
The Library & Community Engagement Commission shall serve as an advisory and liaison body.
Its basic responsibilities shall include the following:
1. Provide counsel and recommendations on Library policies, budgets, plans and procedures
to the Saratoga City Council and the Santa Clara County Library. Identify and bring to
the attention of the City Council, the City staff, and the Santa Clara County Library staff
(as appropriate) current and prospective issues and questions relating to Library policies
and activities.
2. Provide counsel and recommendations to the Saratoga City Council on increasing public
engagement in City government, supporting cultural and artistic programs in the
community, and fostering a stronger, more inclusive community.
3. As directed by the City Council, evaluate and assess community concerns, support City
engagement programs, and perform such other activities as may be directed by the
Saratoga City Council.
DUTIES
In carrying out its basic responsibilities, the Library & Community Engagement Commission
shall perform the following duties:
1. Hold formal meetings as required (see preceding Section on "Administration”).
2. Maintain communications with the City Council, City staff, Santa Clara County Library
staff, and the Saratoga Community Librarian.
3. Serve in an advisory capacity on major engagement initiatives or policies to help create a
more inclusive and engaged community, including providing support in identifying and
connecting with different groups in the community (such as other governmental,
educational, and non-profit organizations).
4. Maintain within the Commission a continuity of knowledge of Library operations and
City community engagement policies and strategies.
5. Keep generally informed on technical developments that could have a bearing on the
Library's policies or strategies.
6. Provide support and/or advice on events related to the Library and City.
7. Work with and engage "Friends of the Saratoga Libraries", the Saratoga Teen Advisory
Board, and other support groups as may be desirable concerning the Library.
RELATIONSHIPS
1. The Library & Community Engagement Commission shall report to and be responsible to
the Saratoga City Council. The City Manager is authorized to appoint a City staff
member to serve as a liaison representative between the Council, staff and the Library &
Community Engagement Commission on administrative matters.
2. The Library & Community Engagement Commission shall have no administrative
authority over Library or City operations, activities, or staff.
3. The Library Commission & Community Engagement shall have authority to call
meetings, conduct hearings, perform analysis, and make contacts with various interested
parties in carrying out its basic responsibilities.
ATTACHMENTS:
Attachment A – Proposed FY 22/23 Work Plan
8
PROPOSED FISCAL YEAR 2022/2023
LIBRARY & COMMUNITY ENGAGEMENT COMMISSION WORK PLAN
1. Community Event Grant Program
For many years, the City has funded a Community Event Grant Program. This program includes a fixed
allocation of funds to support traditional community events, such as the Blossom Festival and July 4
Celebration, as well as competitive funds that other event organizers can apply for. Per the direction
of the Council, the Commission will review qualified applications for competitive funding and make
funding recommendations to the City Council.
2. Celebrate Saratoga’s Diversity
Review current efforts in Saratoga to celebrate diversity to identify opportunities and then work with
Saratoga Library or other community organizations to develop diverse and inclusive programs or
activities.
3. Parent/Student Collaboration
Identify opportunities for parent and/or student collaboration, such as support for Project
Cornerstone, engagement with West Valley College, or partnering with Saratoga Youth Commission
and Saratoga Library Teen Advisory Board to develop a program geared towards students and parents.
4. Good Neighbor Day
Plan a Good Neighbor Day community building effort, such as an outreach campaign to be shared
through the City’s social media accounts, to be conducted in coordination with recognition of Good
Neighbor Day in September 2022.
5. Saratoga Library and Library District Surveys (Ongoing)
The Saratoga Library and Santa Clara County Library District periodically conduct patron surveys. The
Commission would provide input on questions, where appropriate, and review the results of library
patron surveys to provide recommendations on opportunities to enhance services and programs.
6. Serve as Saratoga Library Ambassador (Ongoing)
Attend and volunteer for Saratoga Library events, share information about programs and resources
with friends and family in the community, encourage friends and family to obtain a library card,
provide Saratoga Library staff with insights that can help shape Library services or programs, and
attend the Santa Clara County Library District’s Annual Library Forum as well as Library District Joint
Powers Authority meetings, when appropriate.
7. Serve as City of Saratoga Ambassador (Ongoing)
Attend and volunteer for City of Saratoga events, share information about City efforts and activities
with friends and family in the community, encourage friends and family to engage with the City,
encourage fellow residents to serve on a City Commission, and provide City staff with insights about
community concerns or interests to help shape City outreach and engagement efforts.
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SARATOGA CITY COUNCIL
MEETING DATE:March 28, 2022
DEPARTMENT:Public Works Department
PREPARED BY:Kristin Borel, Administrative Analyst
SUBJECT:Parks & Recreation Commission Fiscal Year Proposed Work Plan
RECOMMENDED ACTION:
Meet with Commission, discuss priorities and approve FY 2022/23 work plan with input provided
by the City Council.
BACKGROUND:
The Parks & Recreation Commission (PRC) proposes to work on the following list of items in the
upcoming fiscal year. A detailed description of the proposed work plan is included in Attachment
A.
1.Movie Night
2.Age Friendly Communities
3.Historic Plaque Program
4.Let’s Work
5.Let’s Hike and Let’s Walk
6.Let’s Create
In the last year, the PRC participated in several projects and programs. The Let’s Work Program
continues to have successful year in helping clean and maintain Quarry Park and has drawn over
70 volunteers of all ages. The Commission is continuing the Drone Video Program and is now
overseeing the video of El Quito Park. Currently, the Commission is completing the review of the
Beauchamps Park Playground Replacement Project and is looking forward to the installation this
August. Movie Nights and Let’s Work have maintained their success even during Covid which
helped our community feel a sense of normalcy and engagement during the past year.
Current Membership
Name Term End
Anna Huang –Vice Chair September 30, 2022
Nimisha Mahavakar September 30, 2026
Renee Paquier -Chair September 30, 2023
Badrinath Sridharan September 30, 2026
Michelle Wang September 30, 2024
10
Powers & Duties – Resolution No. 423
The powers of the Parks and Recreation Commission are advisory only and it shall render all
reports and recommendations directly to the City Council, unless otherwise directed by the
Council. The Commission does not constitute a planning agency with the terms and meaning of
Government Code Section 65100 of the State of California. The Commissions' powers and
duties, in such advisory capacity to the City Council, shall include the following:
(a) to recommend a parks and recreation program, and the programming and implementation
thereof, to the Council;
(b) advise the Council specifically on design, use, development, financing, care and maintenance
of parks and playgrounds; landscaping along thoroughfares and other City streets; walkways,
pathways, equestrian paths, streambeds, protection and promulgation of trees, and such other
matters as may be requested by the Council.
RESPONSIBILITIES
In carrying out its basic responsibilities, the Parks and Recreation Commission shall perform the
following duties:
1. Hold formal meetings as required.
2. Maintain communications with the City Council, and City Staff.
3. Serve in an advisory capacity on initiatives or policies to help create a more inclusive and
engaged community, including providing support in identifying and connecting with
different groups in the community (such as other governmental, educational, and non-
profit organizations).
4. Maintain within the Commission a continuity of knowledge of PRC operations and City
community engagement policies and strategies.
5. Keep generally informed on developments that could have a bearing on park and trail
policies or strategies.
6. Provide support and/or advice on events related to city parks and trails.
7. Work with other Commissions and groups on events and projects that are identified in the
PRC workplan.
OBJECTIVES FOR 2022-2023
1. To build stronger community relations and gathering all Saratoga residents by hosting
events at City parks.
2. To build stronger community relations by engaging community members in hosted
events, dialogues, and activities by the city.
3. To continue promoting a healthy lifestyle by informing residents about park and trail
locations and amenities.
4. To provide accessible and inclusive parks to support community interests and recreation
needs.
ATTACHMENTS:
Attachment A – Proposed FY 22/23 Work Plan
11
FISCAL YEAR 2022/2023
PARKS & RECREATIONCOMMISSIONWORKPLAN
1.Movie Night
The goal is to build stronger community relations between the City of Saratoga and the
community and gathering residents by hosting events at City parks. The Commission will
continue to support outdoor the Movie Night series by hosting a resource table to engage
with residents and promote City objectives.
2.Age Friendly Communities
The goal is to provide inclusive, age-friendly opportunities for equitable access to parks. This
is accomplished by creating virtual park drone videos for less mobile residents, and by
organizing afternoon movies at the Civic Theater (the movies have been on hold due to
Covid).
3.Let’s Work Volunteer Program
The goal is to continue promoting a healthy lifestyle and engage community members about
parks and trails in Saratoga. This is accomplished by organizing a volunteer program at
Quarry Park which removes invasive species and helps the City advance its effort to promote
and extend the existing trail system.
4.Historic Plaque Program for City Parks
The goal of this program is to create plaques for City parks which describes local history or
relevant information of the area. The Commission will work with the Historical Preservation
Commission to research park locations and local history.
5.Let’s Walk and Let’s Hike
The goal is to continue promoting a healthy lifestyle and engaging community members
about new parks and trails in Saratoga. The Commission will organize walks and hikes in parks
and on city trails.
6.Let’s Create
The goal is to promote and highlight our city parks and trails through creative opportunities.
Possible ideas include sponsoring a photo contest or art project relating to city parks. The
Commission would like to partner with other Commissions or groups such as the Youth
Commission, Art Commission, Senior Center, or Library.
7.Community Outreach
AttendandvolunteerforCityofSaratogaevents,shareinformationaboutCityeffort and
activities with friends and family in the community, encourage the community to engage with
the City,encourage fellowresidentsto serveonaCityCommission,which provides the City
staff with insights about community concerns or interests to help shape City outreach and
engagementefforts.
12
SARATOGA CITY COUNCIL
MEETING DATE:March 28, 2022
DEPARTMENT:City Manager’s Department
PREPARED BY:Crystal Bothelio, Assistant City Manager
SUBJECT:Public Art Commission Work Plan
RECOMMENDED ACTION:
Meet with Commission, discuss priorities and approve FY 2022/23 work plan with input provided
by the City Council.
BACKGROUND:
In June 2021, the City Council agreed to replace the Public Art Committee with a 5-member Public
Art Commission comprised of Saratoga residents. Following a recruitment, the 5 Commission
members were appointed by the Council on November 3, 2021. The Commission held its first
meeting on November 15, 2021 and started developing a proposed work plan for FY 2022/23
during its meetings in January and March 2022. The Commission proposes to work on the
following list of items for the remainder of the current fiscal year and in the upcoming fiscal year.
A detailed description of the proposed work plan is included in Attachment A.
1.Sculpture Program
2.Public Art Fundraising
3.Projection Art
4.Montalvo Arts Center Collaboration
5.Artwork Exhibit Opportunities
6.Saratoga Loves Poetry
7.Chalk Art
8.Online Art Challenge
9.Paint the City
10.State Route 85 & Union Pacific Overpass Artwork
11.#SaratogaROCKS
Current Membership
Name Term End
Gloria Wu 9/30/2022
James Cai 9/30/2023
Ramya Vasu 9/30/2024
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Sohini Kar, Vice Chair 9/30/2025
Siana Smith, Chair 9/30/2025
Roles & Responsibilities – Resolution No. 21-047
STRUCTURE
A. Membership. The Public Art Commission of the City of Saratoga shall consist of five
members appointed by the City Council. Members are required to meet qualifications
identified in City Code Section 2-12.020. The first five Commissioners appointed will be
exempted from City Code Section 2-12.020(a)(3).
B. Term of Office, Vacancies and Removal, Officers. The term of office, vacancies and
removals, and officers of members of the Commission shall be as set forth in the City Code
Section 2-12.020 except that the terms of four Commissioners initially appointed to the
Commission shall be partial terms of one, two, and three years to ensure that the
Commission terms are staggered in accordance with City Code 2-12.030(c).
ADMINISTRATION
A. Meetings. The Public Art Commission shall hold regular meetings every other month. The
date and time of these meetings shall be approved by vote of the Commission.
B. Rules of Procedure. The Commission shall in all respects comply with the requirements
for City Commissions as set forth in the City Code and City Council policies.
C. Compensation. Members of the Commission shall serve without compensation. When in
accord with current City policy and when arranged in advance with the City Manager,
actual and necessary expenses incurred by Commission members acting in their official
capacity shall be reimbursed by the City.
D. Records. The staff liaison of the Commission shall keep a record of all proceedings,
deliberations, findings, determinations, and recommendations of the Commission. These
records shall be available to the public, and copies shall be filed with the City Clerk.
E. Staff Support. Staff support required by the Commission shall be provided consistent with
City budget authorizations.
RESPONSIBILITIES & DUTIES
1. The Commission shall provide counsel and recommendations on public art policies,
budgets, plans, and procedures to the Saratoga City Council.
2.As directed by the City Council, evaluate and assess public art projects or programs and
perform such other activities as may be directed by the Saratoga City Council.
3. The Commission shall maintain communications with the City Council and City staff on
public art-related matters.
4. Provide support and/or advice on events or programs related to City public art.
5. Maintain awareness and knowledge of public art trends and principles.
ATTACHMENTS:
Attachment A – Proposed FY 22/23 Work Plan
14
PROPOSED FISCAL YEAR 2022/23
PUBLIC ART COMMISSION WORK PLAN
1. Sculpture Program
Review work efforts of the Public Art Committee to identify opportunities for sculptures at the City
Hall Courtyard and Gateway locations then comprehensively assess opportunities for sculpture
placement in Saratoga, including evaluation of locations, artist selection process (such as whether to
approach specific artists or accept proposals from artist), and expectations for artwork (such as
desired size or themes), then return to City Council with a proposal for consideration. With Council’s
approval, implement sculpture program plans.
2. Public Art Fundraising
Explore options for raising funds for and non-monetary contributions, such as space or partnerships,
to support City public art efforts and present a fundraising proposal to the City Council for
consideration. With Council’s approval, implement fundraising plan.
3. Projection Art
Explore opportunities for projection art and return to City Council with a proposal for consideration,
including possible themes, locations, community participation, frequency, and timing. For example,
students could be invited to submit artwork (written, visual, and/or performing) to be projected at
night in the City during Youth Art Month or the community could share submissions that celebrate
Asian American Art that are projected at night at in the City during Asian American and Pacific Islander
Heritage Month.
4. Montalvo Arts Center Collaboration
Explore opportunities to collaborate with Montalvo Arts Center, such as temporary placement of
Artist in Residency work on City property, and present a proposal to the City Council for consideration.
5. Artwork Exhibit Opportunities
Identify non-traditional exhibit locations in the City where there is an opportunity to temporarily
display artwork at or in public spaces, including spaces managed/maintained by community partners.
For example, locations could include City buildings and properties, Saratoga Library, schools, or West
Valley College. Ask staff to assess feasibility of displaying artwork at those locations. Present proposal
for exhibit, including art selection and locations. Artwork that is displayed could be developed through
other work plan items, such as projection art or the online art challenge, or through collaboration with
community partners. With Council’s approval, implement proposed plan and seek Council
authorization prior to placement of any artwork proposed for City property.
6. Saratoga Loves Poetry
Invite students at schools located in Saratoga to submit original poetry 2 to 4 times per year to be
reviewed and selected by the Public Art Commission to be showcased in a variety of ways, such as
through City online communication channels, through a temporary display, requesting publication in
local newspapers, and/or at special events and activities, including as part of other work plan efforts,
such as projection art.
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7. Chalk Art
Explore options to host chalk art activities at several existing community events, including Summer
Movie Nights hosted by the City, Saratoga Classic Car Show hosted by the Chamber, and the Wildwood
Music Fest hosted by the Chamber. Chalk art activities would be documented through photos and/or
video.
8. Online Art Challenge
Challenge the community to submit and share artwork at regular intervals over a designated amount
of time (such as once a week for one month). Participants would be invited to select one medium for
all submissions over the course of the challenge (such as dance or photography). Selected artwork
could be featured by the City in different ways, such as being shared online.
9. Paint the City
Continue the Paint the City utility box painting program starting in fall/winter 2022 and consider the
addition of non-City owned utility boxes. Once locations are identified and authorized by the City
Council, residents age 10 and older would be invited to submit conceptual artwork for utility box
locations. The Public Art Commission would then review conceptual artwork and select up to 3 options
per location. The top 3 selections would be posted online for public voting where residents can engage
in the process by selecting their favorite conceptual design per location. After the close of voting, the
Commission would make a recommendation on artwork to the City Council. Selected artists receive a
stipend of $600.
10. State Route 85 & Union Pacific Overpass Artwork
Research opportunities for artwork, such as a mural, to be placed on the State Route 85 and Union
Pacific overpass pillars or other concrete elements (shown below in yellow). Present proposed plan
to City Council for consideration and implement with approval from the City Council.
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11. #SaratogaROCKS
Continue to encourage participation in the City of Saratoga’s #SaratogaROCKS program, which
provides free rock painting kits to community members, and explore ways to enhance the program,
increase participation, and make more appealing to community members. Conduct strategic
outreach, such as providing kits to local retirement communities or hosting rock painting at local
events. Document use of kits through photos or video.
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SARATOGA CITY COUNCIL
MEETING DATE: March 28, 2022
DEPARTMENT: Public Works
PREPARED BY: Emma Burkhalter
SUBJECT: Traffic Safety Commission (TSC) Work Plan
RECOMMENDED ACTION:
Meet with Commission, discuss priorities and approve FY 2022/23 work plan with input provided by
the City Council.
BACKGROUND:
The City of Saratoga Traffic Safety Commission proposes the following work plan for FY 21-22
3rd/4th quarter and FY 22-23:
• Investigate, review, and analyze traffic safety issues raised by community members
• Refine the TSC process so that it continues to be more efficient and effective.
• Provide a respectful space where community members are able to seek solutions for traffic
safety concerns.
• Collaborate with schools and community members to develop the Safe Routes to School
Master Plan.
• Promote education to the community and schools regarding traffic, bicycle, and pedestrian
safety, through public meetings.
• Review projects on the Capital Improvement Project list and prioritize for funding.
• Continue to develop a Traffic Safety Commission Handbook that is unique to the roles and
responsibilities of TSC.
2021 Summary:
The Traffic Safety Commission has regular meetings every other month beginning in January,
resulting in six regular meetings each year. In 2021, the Traffic Safety Commission met in the months
of January, March, May, July, September, and November, with special meetings in April and June to
develop a Speed Hump Policy. Throughout the year, the TSC had all regular and special meetings via
Zoom technology to reduce the spread of the novel Corona Virus (COVID-19).
In the first half of 2021, the TSC worked closely with Public Works staff and the City’s traffic
engineering consultants to develop a Speed Hump Process that would allow for more transparency
for residents who specifically request this method of traffic calming on their streets. The final process
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has two paths for the TSC to take, one is a “Resident-Led” process for speeding in a range that would
traditionally not warrant a speed hump and requires a very high threshold for approval (80% of
residents in the affected area must indicate they would like a speed hump), and the other is a “City -
Led” process for streets on which the speeding is significantly higher than the posted speed and the
TSC may approve a speed hump more expeditiously. The second half of 2021 saw the TSC further
refine the process and direct staff to use the process to evaluate a request for a speed hump on Pierce
Road, just south of Bella Vina. As more requests
The traffic safety concerns reviewed by the TSC vary and include speeding, sight distance issues,
crosswalk safety, restricted parking, and pedestrian and bicyclist safety. The TSC gives
recommendations to the City on how to resolve the traffic safety issues. Often times, the
recommendation requires changes to the street or intersection to improve safety. Sometimes the
recommendations involve a simple striping project or sign installation, while others require a more
significant change, such as lighted crosswalks, speed tables, or permanent radar feedback signs.
Simple projects such as striping can take six to nine months to complete due to project prioritizing.
Projects requiring changes in infrastructure might take two years due to budget constraints.
In recent years, the TSC has reviewed traffic safety concerns that require more comprehensive
solutions. This is mostly because these same streets have already been reviewed in previous years and
the incremental improvements have already been implemented but the traffic safety issues have not
been completely resolved.
Currently, the TSC is developing a comprehensive solution for Quito Road. Preliminary plans have
been developed and City staff will develop an outreach plan to communicate to community members
about the proposed changes.
The table below shows the 2021 traffic safety recommendations. (Note: The matrix does not include
vegetation trimmings for sight distance, directed enforcement requests, and items that resulted in no
action.) Items identified as In progress will be implemented through a road markings contract over
the next several months
Meeting
Date
Location and Nature
of Request TSC Recommendation Status
1/14/2021 Pierce Rd - Reduce
Speeding
City Staff will install 25 MPH signs in both
directions on Pierce Rd
Complete
1/14/2021 Montalvo Rd - Reduce
Speeding, Speed
Bump Request
Traffic engineer will develop a plan that
provides shoulder striping on "S" curve to
Highway 9 and City staff will implement the
plan.
Complete
3/11/2021 Chester Ave - Speed
Hump Removal
Request
Traffic engineer will develop a plan to re-
align the chevron signage and City staff will
implement the plan.
In Progress
3/11/2021 Aspesi Dr at Quito Rd Traffic engineer will develop a striping plan
for Aspesi Dr and City staff will implement
the plan.
In Progress
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3/11/2021 Saratoga Oaks -
Speeding Delivery
Trucks (Stoneridge Dr,
Springer Ave, and
Sycamore Grove), Ped
Safety
Traffic engineer will develop a traffic
calming plan for Saratoga Oaks. Once
approved by the Saratoga Oaks HOA, City
staff will implement the plan.
Complete
5/13/2021 Douglass Ln at
Fruitvale Ave and
Saratoga Ave at
Crestbrook Dr -
Pedestrian Safety
(Street Light Request)
City staff will appropriately light both
crosswalks.
In Progress
5/13/2021 Austin Way -
Pedestrian Safety,
Crosswalk Request
City staff will integrate the pedestrian
crossing and right turn improvements at this
intersection into the Highway 9 Safety Plan
(Phase V) at the same time as pedestrian
facilities are added to the other side of
Highway 9.
In Progress
5/13/2021 Old Oak Way- Sight
Distance, Speeding
Traffic engineer will develop a signage and
striping plan for Old Oak Way. Once
approved by the Old Oak Way residents, City
staff will implement the plan.
Complete
7/8/2021 Marion Rd - Speeding
(Delivery Trucks)
City staff will fix the stop sign, add advisory
speed limit sign of 17 MPH and add
centerline striping per traffic engineer's
recommendation.
In Progress
7/8/2021 Ravenwood Dr -
Speeding
City staff will set up radar feedback trailers
on Ravenwood Drive once available, and
collect more speed data once school is back
in session.
Complete
7/8/2021 Pierce Rd at Bella
Vina - Speeding,
Speed Bump Request
Traffic engineer will prepare a preliminary
traffic calming plan with a speed hump in the
recommended location. The speed hump will
be approved through the Resident-Led Speed
Hump Process. City staff will implement the
plan once it's approved.
In Progress
9/9/2021 Glen Brae Dr at Cox
Ave - Pedestrian
Safety
Traffic engineer will prepare a plan to move
the stop bar and add a crosswalk across Glen
Brae and add a bulb-out and City staff will
implement the plan.
In Progress
11/4/2021 Bohlman Rd at
Kittridge Rd -
Speeding
Traffic engineer will identify locations where
signage and striping can be added.
In Progress
11/4/2021 Quito Road (Saratoga
Ave to Westmont Ave)
- Speeding
City staff will continue to work with the City
of San Jose to prepare striping plans for
Quito Road.
In Progress
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11/4/2021 Canyon View Dr
above Reid Ln -
Speeding, Sight
Distance, Ped Safety
Traffic engineer will prepare a plan for where
foliage should be cut back and mirrors should
be installed, and City staff will implement the
plan.
In Progress
11/4/2021 Quito Rd at McCoy
Ave - Request for
Traffic Signal, Ped
Safety
City staff will work with the City of San Jose
to remove foliage blocking signs and
investigate the use of alternative pedestrian-
activated crossing at this location.
In Progress
Current Membership
Name Term Ending
Belal Aftab (Chair) 12/31/2022
Ray Cosyn 12/31/2022
Christopher Coulter (Vice Chair) 12/31/2023
Vacant 12/31/2023
Chi-Kuang Chu 12/31/2024
Vacant 12/31/2025
Vacant 12/31/2025
There are currently 3 vacancies on the Commission. The City has had a difficult time recruiting new
Commissioners and two more vacancies are expected: Christopher Coulter’s resignation will be
effective July 2022 and Ray Cosyn expressed a desire to resign earlier in the year. The Commission
was scheduled to consider making a recommendation to Council to reduce the total membership from
7 to 5 at their March meeting, but was unable to do so due to a lack of a quorum.
Resolution No. 05-032 – Roles and Responsibilities
The exclusive mission of the Traffic Safety Commission shall be to investigate, review, and analyze
issues, and make recommendations to the City Council and City staff regarding traffic safety. The
Commission shall work to increase awareness of, and attention to, the traffic safety needs of the
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23
16
12 14 16 15
12
9
14
25 23
34
31
43 43
Traffic Safety Commission Items
2006-2021
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community by improving communications and involvement between the community, and the City
government on services, needs and programs.
REVISIONS & UPDATES:
• Staff Report updated on March 25, 2022 to reformat Traffic Safety Commission Item charts
to show number of items per year on chart
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