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HomeMy WebLinkAbout09-20-2000 City Council Minutes. MINUTES SARATOGA CITY COUNCIL SEPTEMBER 20, 2000 The City Council of the City of Saratoga met in Closed Session, Administrative Conference Room, 13777 Fruitvale Avenue, at 6:00 p.m. Conference with Legal Counsel re: Existing Litigation (Gov't Code 54956.9(a)). Name of Case: City of Saratoga v. West Valley College (Santa Clara County Superior Court No. Doc. CIV756340. Conference with Legal Counsel re: Invitation of Litigation (Gov't Code 54956.9(c )) Number of cases: 2 Mayor's Report on Closed Session - Mayor Bogosian reported there was Council discussion but no action was taken. Mayor Bogosian called the regular meeting to order at 7:08 p.m. and requested Councilmember Waltonsmith, to lead the Pledge of Allegiance. ROLL CALL PRESENT: Ann Waltonsmith, Evan Baker, Nick Streit, John Mehaffey, Mayor Stan Bogosian. ABSENT: None ALSO Dave Anderson, City Manager PRESENT: Richard Taylor, City Attorney Cathleen Boyer, City Clerk Mary Jo Walker, Director of Administrative Services John Cherbone, Director of Public Works James Walgren, Director of Community Development Paula Reeve, Senior Administrative Analyst REPORT OF CITY CLERK ON POSTING OF AGENDA FOR SEPTEMBER 20, 2000. Cathleen Boyer, City Clerk, reported that pursuant to Government Code Section 54954.2, the agenda for the meeting of September 20, 2000 was properly posted on September 15, 2000. Mayor Bogosian read a prepared written statement concerning public safety in the City of Saratoga. Mayor Bogosian expressed that public safety is the number one responsibility of city • government. He noted that during the past week, serious concerns of the citizens of the City of Saratoga, has lead to the public forefront of public discussion. City Council Minutes September 20, 2000 Mayor Bogosian explained that there are two areas of concern: 1. Prides Crossing Neighborhood - speeding and cut through traffic/Cox Ave and Prospect Road. 2. Intersection of Fruitvale Avenue and Saratoga Avenue. Mayor Bogosian outlined the steps the City Council and City Staff are taking to control this problem: Prides Crossing Neighborhood 1. Meet with County Sheriff on September 21, 2000, to discuss the present law enforcement efforts in clearly identifying pressure points of traffic in Saratoga. 2. Determine if additional coverage, using current staff, could be effective in that area. 3. Decide if hiring more law enforcement personnel is needed. 4. Possibility of placing photo radar in the neighborhoods. 5. Direct City Staff to meet one final time with the Prides Crossing residents to discuss what types of traffic control devices would be aesthetically appropriate in their neighborhood. 6. Direct the traffic consultant to be available to answer any technical questions that might come up. Fruitvale Avenue/Saratoga Avenue 1. Magnetic sensor has failed. Direct John Cherbone, Director of Public Works to replace the sensor on non-school traffic. Mayor Bogosian also noted that the quality efforts that our Law Enforcement Personnel have made over the years have resulted in making Saratoga one of the safest communities in the Bay Area. COMMUNICATIONS FROM COMMISSIONS & PUBLIC None. COMMUNICATIONS FROM BOARDS AND COMMISSIONS None. WRITTEN COMMUNICATIONS None. ORAL COMMUNICATIONS The following people spoke at tonight's meeting: Bert Martell, 14420 Fruitvale Ave, requested that the City Council be fair to the people who have come here tonight to speak on item #5-Septic Abatement. He also noted that Councilmember Baker wrote an article in the newspaper regarding the septic ordinance and he failed to mention the he was the Vice Chair/West Valley Sanitation District. • 2 City Council Minutes September 20, 2000 . Tracy Halgren, 14003 Chester Avenue, indicated she was representing the Bear Creek Redwood Preservation Project. Ms. Halgren briefly summarized the project and requested the City Council place this item on the agenda at the next meeting. Daphne Muchle, 3000 Sand Hill Road, Menlo Park, indicated that she represents Peninsula Open Space Trust (POST). She noted that POST has been following the Bear Creek Redwoods Project since 1977. She reported that recently POST took a $10 million dollar loan out and purchased the property in order to prevent any development on that land. So far they have raised $9,1786,344. She asked that the Council allow them to come back at the next meeting in hopes the City will financially support their efforts. Richard Balocco, Vice President/San Jose Water, 374 W. Santa Clara Street, San Jose, indicated City Staff requested him to be here to answer any questions regarding the merger between San Jose Water and American Water Works. Councilmember Baker asked Mr. Balocco to explain what the advantages would be to the residents under the new water distribution service. Mr. Balocco explained the following benefits that customers would now have: - The merger would enable them to finance larger Capital Improvement Projects. - Provide more sophisticated water quality resources. - Excellent service. - Centralized call system operating 24-hours a day. Councilmember Streit asked if this merger would increase or decrease the current rates. Mr. Balocco responded saying the Public Utility Commission regulates the rates so the current rates cannot increase. Mayor Bogosian thanked Mr. Balocco for coming tonight. Gloria Vandermate, 20122 Chateau Drive, showed opposition to the septic abatement program. She noted that her septic tank is working well and does not feel she should have to hook up to the sewer line. Also, she is having a hard time trying to find a company to inspect her septic tank. No other people spoke at this time. CEREMONIAL ITEMS lA. PROCLAMATION -DECLARING OCTOBER 2000 "ESCROW MONTH IN CALIFORNIA". STAFF RECOMMENDATION: Read proclamation. Mayor Bogosian requested the proclamation be forwarded to the appropriate party. 3 City Council Minutes September 20, 2000 1B. PROCLAMATION -DECLARING OCTOBER 15-22, 2000 "TEEN READ WEEK". STAFF RECOMMENDATION: Read proclamation. Mayor Bogosian requested the proclamation be forwarded to the appropriate party 1 C. COMMENDATION FOR AL ROTEN -FINANCE COMMISSION. STAFF RECOMMENDATION: Read resolution. Mary Jo Walker, Director of Administrative Services, presented staff report. Director Walker noted that Mr. Roten is the longest standing member on the Finance Commission. He recently sold his house in Saratoga and is moving to the Sacramento area. Mayor Bogosian read the resolution. He noted he was able to work with Mr. Roten briefly when he first became a Councilmember and observed that Mr. Roten was a very dedicated Commissioner. 1D. PROCLAMATION -DECLARING SEPTEMBER 17-23, 2000 "ADULT DAY CARE WEEK". STAFF RECOMMENDATION: Read proclamation. Mayor Bogosian read the proclamation and presented it to Karen Lorenz/Administrative Director/Saratoga Adult Day Care Center. Mayor Bogosian personally thanked the Adult Day Care Center, noting he has had several friends who have used this facility and it has helped them tremendously. lE. PROCLAMATION -DECLARING SEPTEMBER 18-24, 2000 "NATIONAL POLLUTION PREVENTION WEEK". STAFF RECOMMENDATION: Read proclamation. Mayor Bogosian requested the proclamation be forwarded to the appropriate party. C7 4 • City Council Minutes CONSENT CALENDAR 2A. REVIEW OF CHECK REGISTER. STAFF RECOMMENDATION: Council note and file check register. September 20, 2000 STREIT/MEHAFFEY MOVED TO NOTE & FILE CHECK REGISTER. MOTION PASSED 5-0. 2B. AUGUST TREASURER'S REPORT. STAFF RECOMMENDATION: Council accept the monthly Treasurer's Report. STREIT/MEHAFFEY MOVED TO ACCEPT AUGUST TREASURER'S REPORT. MOTION PASSED 5-0. 2C. ANDREW JACOBS, CLAIMANT: CLAIM N0.99-006. STAFF RECOMMENDATION: Council reject claim. STREIT/MEHAFFEY MOVED TO REJECT CLAIM N0.99-006. MOTION PASSED 5-0. 2D. REVIEW PLANNING COMMISSION ACTION MINUTES -SEPTEMBER 13, 2000. STAFF RECOMMENDATION: Council note & file action minutes. STREIT/MEHAFFEY MOVED TO NOTE & FILE ACTION MINUTES. MOTION PASSED 5-0. 2E. COUNCIL POLICY REGARDING POLITICAL ACTIVITY BY CITY EMPLOYEES. STAFF RECOMMENDATION; Council adopt resolution. TITLE OF RESOLUTION: 00-048 • RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF SARATOGA CONCERNING PARTICIPATION IN POLITICAL ACTIVITIES BY PERSONS EMPLOYED BY THE CITY OF SARATOGA. 5 City Council Minutes September 20, 2000 Mayor Bogosian pulled Item 2E from the Consent Calendar. Mayor Bogosian addressed a question to the City Attorney. He wanted to know why this policy was in the form of a resolution. Richard Taylor, City Attorney, responded to Mayor Bogosian's question indicating that this resolution was a way to memorialize the Council's action. Mr. Taylor also explained that the resolution and the attached policy would be added to the City's personnel manual. Councilmember Mehaffey questioned policy #8. Councilmember Mehaffey wanted an explanation on why the word "nonpartisan" was listed. Mr. Taylor explained that under the Hatch Act, employees financed by Federal funds couldn't run for office. BOGOSIAN/MEHAFFEY MOVED TO ADOPT RESOLUTION CONCERNING POLITICAL ACTIVITIES BY EMPLOYEES. MOTION PASSED 5-0. 2F. APPROVE CONGRESS SPRINGS PARK DESIGN PLAN 3B. STAFF RECOMMENDATION: Council approve original Plan 3B. STREIT/MEHAFFEY MOVED TO APPROVE CONGRESS SPRINGS PARK DESIGN PLAN 3B. MOTION PASSED 5-0. 2G. APPROVAL OF FINAL MAP -PROPERTY LOCATED AT 19101 VIA TESORA COURT. STAFF RECOMMENDATION: Council adopt resolution approving final map. TITLE OF RESOLUTION: SD-98-008 RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF SARATOGA APPROVING THE FINAL MAP OF SD-98-008 -19101 VIA TESORA COURT (NAGPAL). STREIT/MEHAFFEY MOVED TO APPROVE FINAL MAP-19101 VIA TESORA COURT. MOTION PASSED 5-0. 6 City Council Minutes September 20, 2000 2H. APPROVAL OF FINAL MAP -PROPERTY LOCATED AT 12312 SARATOGA -SUNNYVALE ROAD. STAFF RECOMMENDATION: Council adopt (2) resolutions approving final map and execute Subdivision Improvement Agreements. TITLE OF RESOLUTION: 00-047 -RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF SARATOGA AMENDING TENTATIVE MAP NO. SD-99-005 -AZULE CROSSING; 12312 SARATOGA-SUNNYVALE ROAD. SD-99-005 -RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF SARATOGA APPROVING THE FINAL MAP OF SD-99-005 AZULE CROSSING, 12312 SARATOGA-SUNNYVALE AVENUE. Mayor Bogosian pulled Item 2H from the Consent Calendar. Mayor Bogosian expressed concern that after reviewing the information and the conditions of approval, he did not have a reasonable level of confidence that the . commercial building was going to be in compliance with the agreement the Council signed in January with Azule Crossing Inc. Mayor Bogosian indicated that tonight Classic Communities are coming forward for approval of their final map for the residential portion and questioned how the City would guarantee that the commercial building is designed and implemented in accordance with the Council's Decision. James Walgren, Director of Community Development, responded that the City approved the project as a whole, including detached and attached residential units in the back. The residential portion of the project was approved in contingent on the approval of the commerciaUoffice renovations. Director Walgren indicated that the City would not issue permits for the homes until the renovations on the commerciaUofficebuflding were issued. Secondly, none of the homes will be approved or occupied until the commerciaUoffice building is completed and approved. Mayor Bogosian indicated that he felt there were not enough safeguards provided to guarantee that Azule Crossing Inc. would comply with the conditions of approval. Director Walgren indicated that the City could require the developers to show reasonable progress and issue permits in phases. Also, he noted, that none of the • residential units would be allowed to sell or occupy until the building/office building is 7 City Council Minutes complete. September 20, 2000 Councilmember Mehaffey expressed concern that this plot of land is zoned commercial. He noted that commercial zoned land doesn't allow single-family homes, but these unites proposed by Classic Communities are considered single-family homes. Director Walgren explained that in this case it is considered a multiple family project because of the lot size and the type of planned development it is. Mr. Taylor explained that the Council has no other option but to approve the the final map. He noted it was an administrative function of the Council. Mr. Taylor noted the final map is different from the planning and zoning issues that Director Walgren is discussing. If during the process the Council is not satisfied, he noted, Azule's entire use permit could be pulled. Director Walgren noted that he would write a letter to the property owner indicating the Council's direction. WALTONSMITH/STREIT MOVED TO APPROVE FINAL MAP WITH DIRECTIONS TO STAFF. MOTION PASSED 5-0. • 2I. AUTHORIZATION TO CITY MANAGER TO EXECUTE AGREEMENT WITH GILBANE BUILDING COMPANY FOR CONSTRUCTION MANAGEMENT SERVICES. STAFF RECOMMENDATION: Council authorize City Manager to execute agreement. STREIT/MEHAFFEY MOVED TO AUTHORIZE EXECUTION OF AGREEMENT WITH GILBANE BUILDING CO. MOTION PASSED 5-0. 2J. APPROVE AMENDED AGREEMENT BETWEEN THE CITY OF SARATOGA AND DAVE ANDERSON, CITY MANAGER. STAFF RECOMMENDATION: Council approve amended agreement. Councilmember Mehaffey pulled Item 2J from the Consent calendar. Councilmember Mehaffey questioned if Mr. Anderson's benefits continue if he is terminated or quits. Mr. Taylor indicated only the benefits that are allowed by the insurance company are available to Mr. Anderson if termination of his services occur. • City Council Minutes September 20, 2000 MEHAFFEY/STREIT MOVED TO AMEND AGREEMENT WITH THE CITY MANAGER. MOTION PASSED 5-0. 2K. ADOPT ORDINANCE UPDATING ARTICLE 2.45 OF THE SARATOGA MUNICIPAL CODE PURSUANT TO CHANGES TO THE PURCHASES POLICY AND PROCEDURE. STAFF RECOMMENDATION: Council adopt ordinance. STREIT/MEHAFFEY MOVED TO ADOPT ORDINANCE UPDATING ARTICLE 2.45 OF THE SARATOGA MUNICIPAL CODE. MOTION PASSED 5-0. PUBLIC HEARINGS 3. CIRCULATION & SCENIC HIGHWAY ELEMENT. STAFF RECOMMENDATION: Council receive staff report, take public testimony and continue item to October 4, 2000 meeting for final consideration. Director Walgren presented staff report. • Director Walgren explained that the Community Development Department staff has been updating the Circulation and Scenic Highway Element of the City's General Plan. He noted that it was last updated in 1983. This is one of the seven (7) mandated elements required by State law. Also, he noted an environmental initial study and subsequent Negative Declaration has been prepared for this project pursuant to the California Environmental Quality Act guidelines. The initial study concluded that the Element update would not result in significant adverse impacts on the environment. Director Walgren indicated that the document would act as the City's long-range traffic management plan and a broad range of citywide goals and policies document addressing the changes in Saratoga. Director Walgren summarized the process in which the staff used to update the Element and notify the public: 1. Held community workshops. • 2. Notices were mailed out to subscribers to City Council and Planning Commission agendas, homeowners associations, all City Commissioners, community and business groups, school boards, and clergy. 3. Several articles appeared in Saratoga News. 4. Traffic consultants, Fehr and Peers Associates, collected data and conducted traffic counts. 5. Draft Element presented to Public Safety Commission twice. 6. Planning Commission reviewed the Element twice. 9 City Council Minutes September 20, 2000 • 7. An announcement was mailed to every household in Saratoga encouraging residents to attend the September 20, 2000, City Council Meeting. Director Walgren noted that the Element was being presented to the Council for their approval. He also mentioned, that Chuck Page, Chair/Planning Commission; Sohrab Rashid, Project Manager/Fehr and Peers and Associates; and Jim Jeffries, Traffic Engineer/City of Saratoga, were present and available for questions. Councilmember Streit asked if the traffic counts that were conducted in 1998-99, were done during the school year, since the major traffic problems in Saratoga occur during that time. Sohrab Rashid, Project Manager/Fehr and Peers and Associate, responded that the majority of the traffic counts were conducted during September and October. Councilmember Waltonsmith asked if any one consulted with the Bikeway Committee. Mr. Rashid responded that he recently talked with Jim Stallman/Bicycle Advisory Committee. Mr. Stallman reviewed the document and changes were made per his suggestions. Councilmember Baker referred to page 21 of the document, regarding suggested routes to schools. He commented that all the comments in the document refer only to the Saratoga Union School District. He questioned whether the Cupertino and Campbell School Distract were consulted and if their associated neighborhoods and traffic patterns were looked at. Mr. Rashid responded that Councilmember Baker was correct; most of the comments were referring to the Saratoga Union School District. He explained that this document is a general planning document and could be applied to any of the school districts. Councilmember Baker requested that pages 21, 35, and 36, in the Element be amended; making references that seven (7) school districts surround and serve Saratoga. Councilmember Baker indicated that on page 44, there was an implementation plan requiring seated and shaded bus shelters be placed adjacent to building entrances to encourage the usage of public transportation. Councilmember Baker questioned that if the Council adopted the Element would the City be required to build the bus shelters. Also, he inquired how many bus stops the City has and an estimated cost to build new bus shelters. Director Walgren informed Councilmember Baker the City has forty (40) bus stops and the estimated cost per shelter is $10,000.00. . Director Walgren explained the City of Saratoga could reinforce the current process, 10 City Council Minutes September 20, 2000 making developers build approved bus shelters if there is one adjacent to their property. Councilmember Baker questioned page 43, truck transportation implementation policy, whether the City is required to post signs at entry streets prohibiting commercial trucks except on main arteries, other than to make deliveries. Director Walgren explained that the City is responsible for placing those types of signs throughout the City of Saratoga, but some discretion is given on how and where to place them. Mayor Bogosian opened the public hearing at 8:30 p.m. and invited any public input. Seeing none, Mayor Bogosian closed public hearing at 8:31 p.m. Councilmember Mehaffey expressed disappointment with the level of service in the year 2025 and some of the levels today. For example, he explained schools cause most of the intersection congestion. He noted that a busing system should be implemented. Councilmember Mehaffey noted that the City should aspire to keep a level of service at a "C". Director Walgren explained to the Council that if the City kept a level of service at "C', that would direct the emphasis on managing traffic through widening lanes and building infrastructures. After reviewing the draft Element the Planning Commission agreed to accept a level of service of "D", preserving the community instead of concentrating on road improvements. Councilmember Streit supports the use of a busing system. He noted that he feels it would eliminate a lot of the traffic problems around West Valley College, Redwood Middle School and St. Andrews. Councilmember Baker commended everyone involved in the updating process of the Circulation and Scenic Highway Element. Councilmember Waltonsmith questioned why Mt. Eden Road and Pierce Road were not listed as a designated bike route. Mr. Rashid explained that it is not designated as a bike route because of the liability issue. Mayor Bogosian thanked everyone for the hard work that was put into this document. Mayor Bogosian called for a five (5) minute recess at 8:47 p.m. and reconvened at 8:55 p.m. ,] 11 City Council Minutes September 20, 2000 • OLD BUSINESS 4. UPDATE STATUS REPORT -WORLD WAR II MEMORIAL DONATIONS. STAFF RECOMMENDATION: Informational only. Paula Reeve, Senior Administrative Analyst, presented staff report. Ms. Reeve reported that on June 7, 2000, City Council unanimously voted to support a match of up to $3,000.00 from the City of Saratoga for the proposed World War II Memorial to be built in Washington D.C., subject to contributions received from local citizens. Ms. Reeve indicated during the campaign, which ran from June 7 through August 6, 2000, the City Manager's Office received $850.00 from eight contributors. The City of Saratoga is matching that amount, and will be sending a total donation of $1,700.00 to the American Battle Monuments Commission expressly for the National World II Memorial Campaign. Councilmember Baker thanked the contributors. • Mayor Bogosian thanked Ms. Reeve for organizing this campaign. 5. SEPTIC ABATEMENT PROGRAM STATUS REPORT. STAFF RECOMMENDATION: Council accept status report. Director Walgren presented staff report. Director Walgren reported that in an effort to improve underground and creek water quality in the region, the Saratoga City Council adopted a septic abatement ordinance that applies to all properties within the City of Saratoga. He explained that the ordinance requires septic systems in the City be abandoned and the properties connected directly to the public sanitary sewer system, when a public sewer line is available within 200 feet of a property line. Director Walgren indicated that property owners with properly operating septic systems may request up to a five-year extension of time to connect to the public sanitary sewer. Also, he noted qualifying property owners facing financial hardships, are able to apply for Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) money to pay for the cost of the septic abatement and sewer connection. To date, only a few applications have been received. And of these, one qualifying property owner has met the income limit criteria to be eligible for CDBG money. • 12 City Council Minutes September 20, 2000 • Director Walgren reminded the Council that the City initiated this program last year by collecting from the two sanitation district's lists of properties that were thought to be subject to its requirements. Out of 585 properties identified by the distracts, staff has been able to remove many that were either undeveloped parcels or properties that had been connected to the sanitary sewer but were not in the districts' records. The following people spoke on this item: David Dolloff, 20685 Sigal Drive, read a prepared statement expressing his opposition to the septic abatement ordinance. L.M. Thorpe, 19550 Farwell Avenue, noted that if a septic tank doesn't pass inspection then the property owner should have to hook up to the sewer line, but if it passes the property owner should be allowed to keep the septic tank. Beverly Phipps, 15270 Norton Road, showed an overhead of why the septic ordinance should be reconsidered. He noted that he is not disagreeing the contamination in the creek isn't a serious matter, but to blame it all on septic tanks is premature. Ted Cheeseman, 20800 Kittredge Road, expressed his opposition on the septic abatement ordinance. Ellen Masterman, 18951 Saratoga Glen Place, explained that residents should not be . forced to hook up to the sewer system when it has not been proven that the septic tanks cause the pollution. Gloria Vandermate, 20122 Chateau Drive, inquired who decided what type of inspection a septic tank should have and how should it pass. No other people spoke on this item. Mayor Bogosian thanked everyone for coming and speaking on this issue. Councilmember Baker noted this process started back in January 1999, with this Council, except for Councilmember Waltonsmith. He noted Jim Shaw was still alive and was serving as Mayor. Councilmember Baker explained that the proposed septic ordinance was on the agenda six (6) separate times as a discussion item, three (3) public hearings were held, and was on the front page of the Saratoga News. He also mentioned that the Council introduced the ordinance and passed it at two separate meetings with a vote of 5-0. Councilmember Baker noted at the time the City implemented this ordinance, serious pollution in the Saratoga Creek was known to exist, but the sources were still undetected. • 13 City Council Minutes September 20, 2000 • Councilmember Baker commented that all the sources of contamination are still unknown. Councilmember Baker responded to Mr. Martell's comments concerning the editorial that was in the Saratoga News. He explained that he signed the editorial on behalf of the Saratoga City Council, and noted that he is the Vice Chair of the West Valley Sanitation District. Councilmember Baker explained that the West Valley Sanitation Board is made up of five member representing Los Gatos, Saratoga, Monte Sereno, and Campbell. An elected County Supervisor fills one seat. Councilmember Baker noted the Board's duties are to ensure that the District provides adequate sewer service and efficient service in the event of an emergency. Councilmember Baker responded to Ms. Vandermate's question regarding what type of inspector is required to inspect septic tanks. He noted companies have to be certified under County Health and State requirements. He also noted that the septic ordinance the City adopted was based on the County of Santa Clara's ordinance. He explained the only difference is that the Saratoga City Council made the decision to decrease any potential pollution by abating as many septic systems as possible. • Councilmember Baker pointed out that at no time did this Council want to force anyone out of Saratoga because of this septic abatement ordinance. Councilmember Baker indicated there were several options available for those residents effected by the septic ordinance: 1. The City's allocation of $70,000 for individuals who are financially unable to abate. 2. The ordinance has allowed homeowners to ask for a five (5) year extension on abatement process. 3. West Valley Sanitation District will finance the fees over a ten (10) year period by allowing homeowners to pay them off on their tax roll bill. 4. CDBG money. Councilmember Baker pointed out three known pollution points in the City of Saratoga and noted that the source is unknown; Big Basin/Saratoga-Sunnyvale Road, 4th Street, and Crestwood. He also explained that the contamination level is 10,000 times above the acceptable level. Councilmember Baker indicated the pollution problem has been known since November 1998, and indicated that the previous City Council spent $165,000.00 on litigation fees and did nothing to solve the problem. He feels the current City Council made the right decision on passing the septic abatement ordinance and he stands behind that decision 100%. • Councilmember Mehaffey reiterated the financial alternatives being offered to 14 City Council Minutes September 20, 2000 noncompliant residents. He also suggested that residents who are grouped together try to hook up to the sewer system at the same time, when all the equipment will be there and it may save some money. Mayor Bogosian feels the pollution in the creek is a serious health hazard and the City is trying their best to control it. He sincerely hopes people who are having financial difficulties complying with the ordinance, will come forward and seek assistance. Councilmember Waltonsmith stated that although she was not a member of the Council when the vote was taken she fully supports the abatement ordinance. Councilmember Streit supports the septic ordinance fully, but feels residents need more time to comply. Director Walgren responded that notices were sent out seven (7) months ago, which he feels has given noncompliant residents plenty of time to comply. He explained the residents who missed the August 21, 2000 deadline, have communicated with the Community Development Department and have shown a good faith effort to comply, the City is willing to work with them. Councilmember Mehaffey suggested the City compile a list of inspectors who are available and refer them to noncompliant residents. He feels the City needs to become more involved in helping the residents that are affected by the ordinance. Councilmember Streit fully supports doing everything possible to assist the resident before putting liens on their property. Richard Taylor, City Attorney, indicated this item was presented to the Council as informational only and to hear the Council's reactions to it, therefore no action is needed. Mr. Taylor explained that Staff has heard the Council's concerns, however, the enforcement of the ordinance is under the direction of the City Manager's Office to work with the Community Development Department. City Council can direct that staff bring this item back at a future date. Consensus of the Council to bring the septic abatement program back as an agenda item at a future meeting. NEW BUSINESS 6. CITY'S COST ALLOCATION PLAN. STAFF RECOMMENDATION: Informational only. Mary Jo Walker, Director of Administrative Services, presented staff report. • 15 City Council Minutes September 20, 2000 Director Walker reported that during the May 17, 2000, City Council Meeting, staff was asked to explain the City's cost allocation plan. Director Walker explained to Council that a cost allocation plan is a methodology or computation to allocate overhead to the various departments that are users of the services provided. She indicated that a cost allocation plan is prepared to reflect the total cost of providing a service, not just the direct cost. To the extent possible, to reimburse the fund providing the service from the fund using the service. Director Walker reported that the City utilizes full cost recovery, meaning that we distribute virtually all central service costs to all user departments. She further explained which central service departments generate overhead cost, and which departments receive overhead charges. She noted that contingency, debt service, and capital projects were exempt from overhead allocation. In conclusion, Director Walker summarized the presentation by indicating that all costs from central service departments are distributed to user groups and the General Fund, which pays for central service functions, is reimbursed from other funds at year-end. Mayor Bogosian thanked Director Walker for her excellent presentation. CITY COUNCIL ITEMS Mayor Bogosian requested that Peninsula Open Space Trust (POST) be agendized for the October 4, 2000 City Council meeting. Councilmember Waltonsmith requested that an evaluation be conducted on the pesticides that are currently being used on City grounds. Councilmember Baker noted that everyone should have received a letter from Margaret Towns and Jack Mallory. Both residents call attention to the shopping centers along Sunnyvale - Saratoga Road (Gateway Area). He requested a status report. Mayor Bogosian concurred with Councilmember Baker and requested a report on the Gateway Area at the next meeting. He is especially concerned with the Azule Crossing commercial establishment and their signage issue. Councilmember Baker briefed the Council on information that they all should have received, regarding certification guidelines of adult drug/alcohol residential facilities. He requested everyone review the information and let him know if they have any comments and he will take the comments back to the Cities Association for discussion. Mayor Bogosian requested staff to place this item on the next agenda indicating what Saratoga's Municipal Code allows concerning these types of facilities. • 16 City Council Minutes September 20, 2000 Councilmember Mehaffey stated he heard that Saratoga School's air conditioning unit caught on fire earlier this week and the school had to be evacuated. Mayor Bogosian responded that he had heard their alarm went off Saturday night. He requested the City Manager contact Chief Kraule/Saratoga Fire District, and report back to the Council. Councilmember Waltonsmith noted on Saturday, September 9, 2000, she attended the Saratoga Area Senior Coordinating Council's (SASCC) 1St Annual BBQ and Auction. She noted they raised $20,000. 00. Mayor Bogosian expressed his appreciation to the Sheriffs Department in regards to the recent shooting at Wildwood Park. He noted that the Sheriffs Department handled the incident in a very professional manner. OTHER None CITY MANAGER'S REPORT None ADJOURNMENT There being no further business, the Mayor declared the meeting adjourned at 10:37 p.m. • espectfully submitted, ~~ ~' --- ~ ( ^ t Teen o er ~ \ Y City Clerk • 17