HomeMy WebLinkAbout07-06-2005 City Council Special MinutesMINUTES
SARATOGA CITY COUNCIL
JULY 6, 2005
The City Council of the City of Saratoga held a Joint Session with the Planning
Commission Council in the Administrative Conference Room, 13777 Fruitvale Avenue,
at 5:30 p.m.
The following City Councilmembers were present: Mayor Kathleen King, Vice Mayor
Norman Kline, Councilmembers Aileen Kao, Nick Streit, and Ann Waltonsmith.
The following staff members were present: City Manager Dave Anderson, Assistant City
Manager Lorie Tinfow, City Attorney Richard Taylor, City Clerk Cathleen Boyer,
Community Development Director John Livingstone.
The following Commissioners were present: Chair Suzie Nagpal, Manny Cappello, Jill
Hunter, Robert Kundtz, Linda Rodgers, and Mike Uhl. Commissioner Michael Schallop
was absent.
1. WOULD THE CITY COUNCIL SUPPORT THE PLANNING
COMMISSION APPROVING WELL DESIGNED SECOND STORY
HOMES IN ONE STORY NEIGHBORHOODS?
KING: Yes
KLINE: Yes- If findings
KAO: No -Not black and white
STREIT: Yes -Well designed
WALTONSMITH: No
Additional comments:
Under right conditions, Yes
Good Design - Defined by whom?
Compatibility
2. DOES THE CITY COUNCIL THINK THE PLANNING COMMISSION
MEETINGS SHOULD BE TELEVISED OR NOT?
KING: Yes
KLINE: No
KAO: No
STREIT: No
WALTONSMITH: Yes -But could be delayed showing
Additional comments:
Tape but not broadcast (4-1 with Waltonsmith opposed)
Informality with no television could be useful.
Some interest in televised meetings for newcomers to City to see how process
works.
3. WOULD THE CITY COUNCIL SUPPORT THE PLANNING
COMMISSION APPROVING HOMES BUILT TO THE MAXIMUM
ALLOWED SIZE, HEIGHT AND IMPERVIOUS SURFACE COVERAGE
IF THE HOUSE IS A GOOD DESIGN?
KING: Yes
KLINE: Yes -findings
KAO: Yes
STREIT: Yes -Good design
WALTONSMITH: Yes
4. DISCUSS WAYS TO STREAM LINE THE PLANNING COMMISSION
DESIGN REVIEW PROCESS. EXAMPLE, THE PLANNING
COMMISSION COULD DECIDE WHICH HOMES NEED DESIGN
REVIEW AND WHICH DO NOT
Existing Desi . n Review
• Administrative
• Planning Commission
• Discretionary (new category)
Additional comments:
• Design Review at the Planning Commission level adds time - 2 months
worst cast scenario.
• Somewhat less staff time for administrative design review.
• Slow down due to staff turnover, etc.
• Problem to solve -efficiency
• Make progress easier for applicants
• Option-form Design Review Committee -Two Planning Commissioners
5. VILLAGE PARKING-THE COUNCIL HAS REQUESTED THAT THE
PLANNING COMMISSION REVIEW THE PARKING RESTRICTIONS IN
THE VILLAGE
Cnmment~~
• Explore options for parking requirement to enhance business options.
• Concerns:
o Pay back owners
o Lawsuit
6. AT THEIR RETREAT, THE COUNCIL SHOWED INTEREST IN
DEVELOPING A PD ZONE IN THE VILLAGE
Cnmmentc~
• Update Design Guidelines - could be a tool
• Ways to use regulations to enhance Village
• Plan Development -Permits great flexibility
• Articulate goals to be accomplished
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• Used in Santa Clara for oddball parcels-Village seems similar/many
challenges with area
o Example: Property owners partner on redevelopment
^ Incentives
^ Synchronized leases/Buy & Save
• Historic Preservation?
o Include in goals
o Could hire an expert to assist
• How could committee work with Planning Commission
o Could be done/New Procedures
o Review Upcoming projects at end of Commission meetings
7. POSSIBLE REDIRECTION OF COUNCIL/COMMISSION STIPEND
Removed from agenda- no discussion.
ADJOURNMENT
There be no further business Mayor King thanked the Planning Commission for attending
tonight's Joint Meeting and adjourned to Closed Session at 6:30 p.m.
Respectfully submitted,
Cathleen Boyer, CMC
City Clerk
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