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HomeMy WebLinkAbout07-05-2000 City Council Minutes• MINUTES SARATOGA CITY COUNCIL JULY 5, 2000 The City Council of the City of Saratoga met in Closed Session, Administrative Conference Room 13777 Fruitvale Avenue at 6.30 p m Initiation of Litigation Pursuant to Gov't. Code 54956.9(cc) Moor's Report on Closed Session - 7:07 p.m. Mayor Bogosian reported there was Council discussion but no action was taken. Mayor Bogosian called the regular City Council meeting to order at 7:lOp.m. and requested Cathleen Boyer, City Clerk, to lead the Pledge of Allegiance. ROLL CALL PRESENT: Ann Waltonsmith, Evan Baker, Nick Streit, John Mehaffey, Stan Bogosian. • ABSENT: None ALSO PRESENT: Bill Norton, Interim City Manager Richard Taylor, City Attorney Cathleen Boyer, City Clerk Mary Jo Walker, Dir. of Administrative Services John Cherbone, Dir. of Public Works REPORT OF CITY CLERK ON POSTING OF AGENDA FOR July 5, 2000. Cathleen Boyer, City Clerk, reported that pursuant to Government Code Section 554954.2, the agenda for the meeting of July 5, 2000 was properly posted on June 30, 2000. COMMUNICATIONS FROM COMMISSIONS & PUBLIC None COMMUNICATIONS FROM BOARDS AND COMMISSIONS None WRITTEN COMMUNICATIONS None i ORAL COMMUNICATIONS -COUNCIL DIRECTION TO STAFF None City Council Minutes • CEREMONIAL ITEMS - 7:20 P.M. July 5, 2000 1. COMMENDATION FOR ROSE MARIE DIPPEL & FRANK LEMMON PUBLIC SAFETY COMMISSIONERS STAFF RECOMMENDATION: Present Commendation. Mayor Stan Bogosian read commendation and presented them to Rose Marie Dippel and Frank Lemmon for their service on the Public Safety Commission. 2. APPOINTMENT OF FINANCE COMMITTEE MEMBER STAFF RECOMMENDATION: That Council approve Resolution of Appointment and Administer Oath of Office. TITLE OF RESOLUTION: 00-041 RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL APPOINTING ONE MEMBER TO THE FINANCE COMMITTEE BAKER moved adoption of Resolution 00-041, seconded by STREIT and carried • unanimously. Cathleen Boyer, City Clerk, administered Oath of Office to Mr. Robert Gager newly appointed Finance Commissioner. 3. APPOINTMENT OF CITIZEN OVERSIGHT COMMITTEE MEMBERS STAFF RECOMMENDATION: That Council approve Resolution of Appointment and Administer Oath of Office. TITLE OF RESOLUTION: 00-042 RESOLUTION OF THE CITY OF SARATOGA APPOINTING FIVE MEMBER S TO THE CITIZEN OVERSIGHT COMMITTEE BAKER moved adoption of Resolution 00-042, seconded by STREIT and carried unanimously. Cathleen Boyer, City Clerk, administered Oath of Office to the following newly appointed committee members: Susan Calderon, Donald Johnson, and Alan King,. Eva Giordano and Norman Siegler were unable to attend the meeting but will some into the • Clerk's Office at a later time. 2 City Council Minutes July 5, 2000 . 4. PROCLAMATION RECOGNIZING JULY 2000 AS "PARKS AND RECREATION MONTH" STAFF RECOMMENDATION: That Council approve resolution. Mayor Bogosain read the proclamation and presented it to Sheila Ioannou, Parks and Recreation Commissioner. 5. RECOGNITION OF JOHN CHERBONE NEWLY APPOINTED DIRECTOR OF PUBLIC WORKS. STAFF RECOMMENDATION: That Council recognizes promotion. Mayor Bogosain congratulated Mr. Cherbone on the promotion and thanked him for his hard work and dedication for the City of Saratoga. CONSENT CALENDAR 6A. ACCEPT NOTICE OF COMPLETION OF THE 1999 PAVEMENT • MANAGEMENT PROGRAM AND THE 1999 STREET MAINTENANCE PROGRAM STAFF RECOMMENDATION: That Council accept Notice of Completion of both programs. STREIT moved to accept Notice of Completion for both programs, seconded by MEHAFFEY and carried unanimously. 6B. APPROVAL OF CHECK REGISTER STAFF RECOMMENDATION: That Council approve check register as submitted. Councilmember Baker removed item 6B from the Consent Calendar. Council member Baker questioned the following journal entries on the check register: General Dynamics and Hugger Mugger. Mary Jo Walker indicated that Hugger Mugger was vendor used by the Recreation Department and would have to look into General Dynamics. She would get back to him at a later time. • BAKER moved check register be approved as submitted, seconded by STREIT and carried unanimously. 3 City Council Minutes July 5, 2000 • 6C. APPROVAL OF MINUTES -CLOSED SESSION OF JUNE 21, 2000 & REGULAR MEETING OF JUNE 21, 2000. STAFF RECOMMENDATION That Council approve minutes of Closed Session -June 21, 2000 and Regular Meeting of June 21, 2000 as submitted. Councilmember Mehaffey removed Item 6C from the Consent Calendar. Councilmember Mehaffey corrected page 1. He noted that he did not give the Pledge of Allegiance that the Mayor asked Don Johnson to lead the pledge that evening. Also Councilmember Mehaffey corrected page 10 paragraph 2, misspelled word should be "seems". APPROVAL OF MINUTES -CLOSED SESSION OF JUNE 21, 2000 MEHAFFEY moved minutes of Closed Session -June 21, 2000 be an rp oved, seconded by WALTONSMITH and carried unanimously. APPROVAL OF MINUTES -REGULAR MEETING OF JUNE 21, 2000. MEHAFFEY moved minutes of Regular Meeting -June 21, 2000 be approved, seconded by WALTONSMITH and carried unanimously. • 6D. APPROVAL OF PLANNING COMMISSION ACTION MINUTES OF JUNE 28, 2000. STAFF RECOMMENDATION: That Council approve minutes as submitted. STREIT moved action minutes of June 28, 2000 be noted seconded by MEHAFFEY and carried unanimously 6E. APPROVE THE REQUEST TO DIRECT THE MAYOR TO DRAFT AN ARGUMENT FOR THE MEASURE FOR THE NOVEMBER 7, 2000 GENERAL MUNICIPAL ELECTION AND DIRECT STAFF TO REQUEST A SPECIFIC LETTER FOR THE MEASURE. STAFF RECOMMENDATION: That Council approve the request. Richard Taylor, City Attorney, presented staff report. He indicated that Council should do two things tonight. The first, move to authorize specified Council members to draft arguments for and/or against the November 7, 2000 ballot measure concerning the moratorium on residential uses of commercially designated land. Secondly, adopt • resolution requesting the County to assign a specific letter to the November 7, 2000 ballot measure concerning the moratorium. Mr. Taylor also pointed out that the California Elections Code provides that arguments for or against a local ballot measure may be filed 4 City Council Minutes July 5, 2000 by (1) the City Council as a whole, (2) one or more individual members of the City Council authorized by the City Council, (3) any individual voter eligible to vote on the measure, (4) a bona fide association of citizens, or (5) a combination of voters and citizens. He went on to explain that the Registrar of Voters has indicated to the Clerk that if a City would like to make a request for a specific letter designation for a ballot measure, they would do their best to accommodate them. If the Council is not interested in doing so the Secretary of State and the Registrar of Voters would draw a random letter for the City's ballot measure. Councilmember Streit was concerned about having the option open to sign an argument against the measure as either as a councilmember or as a resident. Richard Taylor, City Attorney, explained that tonight's decision would just give authorization for individuals to write the arguments and councilmembers would have priority over anyone else if more than one argument for or against was submitted. Councilmember Baker suggested that the Council authorize two groups to sign. Four to sign for the measure one to sign against the measure. Councilmember Mehaffey asked if the four councilmembers could get together to draft the argument. Richard Taylor, City Attorney, indicated that as long as they only talk about the argument and do not talk about City business they are allowed to meet together. BAKER moved Bogosian, Baker, Mehaffey, and Waltonsmith sign the argument for the ballot measure and Streit sign the argument against the ballot measure for the November 7, 2000 General Municipal Election, seconded by WALTONSMITH and carried unanimously. TITLE OF RESOLUTION: 00-043 RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL REQUESTING COUNTY TO ASSIGN A SPECIFIC LETTER TO THE NOVEMBER 7, 2000 BALLOT MEASURE CONCERNING THE MORATORIUM ON RESIDENTIAL USES OF COMMERCIALLY DESIGNATED LAND. BOGOSIAN moved adopt Resolution 00-043 assigning the letter "A" for the letter for the ballot measure for the November 7, 2000 General Municipal Election seconded by WALTONSMITH and carried unanimously. • 5 City Council Minutes July 5, 2000 • PUBLIC HEARINGS None OLD BUSINESS None NEW BUSINESS Mayor Bogosian requested that item #12 -Results of the Saratogan Survey be moved to the top of New Business so that the citizens in the audience and at home who just want to hear the results wouldn't have to listen to all of the other items. 12. REPORT ON RESULTS OF SARATOGAN SURVEY REGARDING HERITAGE ORCHARD AND PLAYFIELDS. STAFF RECOMMENDATION: Informational only. Bill Norton, City Manager, presented staff report. He reported that the City received 1069 responses. He indicated that the majority of resident only want the Heritage Orchard to be used as an educational resource for the community. He noted that 67% of the residents do not support another publicly financed bond measure to purchase . property for public recreation facilities.. Councilmember Waltonsmith indicated that she felt it was clear that the residents of Saratoga do not want the Heritage Orchard used as anything else but an educational resource. Although she sensed that residents see the need for soccer field and playfields. Councilmember Streit agreed with Councilmember Waltonsmith and added that if the Heritage Orchard is to be used as an educational resource then it should be maintained properly. He also noted that although the survey indicated that the Heritage Orchard should be preserved, it doesn't solve the problem of lack of playfields and soccer fields. He feels the City needs to look at other alternatives. Councilmember Streit also noted that several trees needed to be replaced. Bill Norton, City Manager, indicated that at the July 19, 2000 City Council Meeting there would be a report the condition, cost and inventory of the Heritage Orchard.. Mayor Bogosian thanked the staff for the help in the success of the survey. Mayor Bogosian also indicated that the residents of Azule and Blue Hills do not have to worry about having their neighborhoods being infringed on for possible sites for play/soccer fields that the City will Look at other alternatives. • 6 City Council Minutes July 5, 2000 • 7. PRESENTATION BY PACIFIC GAS & ELECTRIC ON POWER OUTAGES STAFF RECOMMENDATION: Informational only. Drina Collins, Public Affairs Department/PG & E, explained to the Council that tonight she and Bill Mitchell, Emergency Coordinator/PG & E, were going to review the events that took place on June 14, 2000 when the power outages occurred. Mr. Mitchell was going to explain to the Council the overview of the system, and what PG & E did to prepare for the outages and how the power was restored. Mr. Mitchell noted that the peak demand for power is only 3-4%, which is when people use power simultaneously, usually when it's a hot day. He indicated that load growth, (new additions on homes and businesses with additional air conditioning) not new customers are one of the biggest transformer overload problems. Mr. Mitchell stated that on June 7, 2000 PG & E performed a system-wide drill to prepare for the high temperatures predicted for the following week. On June 14, 2000 when temperatures reached as high as 109 degrees they experienced rolling block outages. Out of 151 outages only 24 were in Saratoga, only 9 transformers had to be replaced, and 14 transformers had to be reset. . Mayor Bogosian also asked Mr. Mitchell if the outages had to do with old and faulty transformers throughout Saratoga, and wondered if they should be replaced with new ones. Mr. Mitchell explained transformers are only replaced when they go down completely. Mayor Bogosain thanked both representatives from PG & E for their presentations and indicated that he will direct the Community Development Department to contact them in order to provide PG & E with the necessary permit applications, so outages might be decreased in the City of Saratoga. 8. PRESENTATION BY CARL GUARDING, PRESIDENT AND CEO/SILICON VALLEY MANUFACTURING GROUP ON TRAFFIC RELIEF STAFF RECOMMENDATION: Informational only. Carl Guardino, representing the Silicon Valley Manufacturing Group, briefly explained the reasons why the Manufacturing Group believes that we need to move forward on the traffic relief initiative for the benefit of local cities in Silicon Valley. He explained to the council that the Manufacturing Group felt because of the economy, cost saving on increased land and construction costs, getting a four year start, and it being a presidential election when most people have more confidence on traffic relief issues, it's a perfect time to push the initiative to be on the November 7, 2000 ballot. For the past 18 months 7 City Council Minutes July 5, 2000 i the Valley Transportation Agency has been putting together a plan for improvements to use the extended 20-year %2 sales tax. The Manufacturing Group hopes to bring the cities of Silicon Valley together at a summit meeting to discuss local projects that would benefit from this tax. Mayor Bogosian thanked Mr. Guardino for his presentation and explained to him that the City has already sent a letter to Ms. Alvarado fully supporting the initiative. 9. AUTHORIZE CITY MANAGER TO EXECUTE AN AGREEMENT WITH SARATOGA CHAMBER OF COMMERCE. STAFF RECOMMENDATION That Council approve agreement. Bill Norton, City Manager, presented staff report. He indicated that the agreement with the Chamber of Commerce would be for one year. Mr. Norton explained to the Council that the agreement that was in their packet was incorrect and the amended version was placed in front of them this evening. Mr. Norton indicated that two items were removed: (1G) Chamber act as a liaison between the City and businesses to resolve issues ofnon-compliance with city codes or policies; (3B) The City may monitor sales tax, business licenses, and new business annually to determine the effectiveness of the Chamber's retention of businesses and recruitment efforts. In addition one item was added: (1F) Chamber to work with City Manager to retain and recruit new businesses in the City. Mr. Norton explained that the Chamber felt that the sales tax and business monitoring was not a fair way to measure their performance, and they didn't feel that it was their place to enforce City Codes. They do however give new businesses a start up pamphlet, which covers a lot of the City's codes. Mayor Bogosian questioned the additional $6600 in the agreement, which he thought was cut out at the budget hearing. Mr. Norton noted that the increase would compliment the hiring an economic development coordinator. He also noted that the building, which the Chamber uses, is City owned property, and has substantial dry rot and termite damage. The estimated cost to repair the building is approximately $10,000. Councilmember Baker doesn't oppose the operation of the Chamber of Commerce but would like to see some sort of balance between the Chamber and the City. He would like to see the both working together on setting and accomplishing goals. He noted that he finds it difficult to increase their funding. Councilmember Waltonsmith indicated that she feels that the Chamber doesn't have any accountability for the services they provide with City funds. 8 City Council Minutes July 5, 2000 • Councilmember Streit noted that an additional $6600 was a small amount to get the business community behind the Council, and the City needs to look at other ways to monitor their progress. He noted that the agreement should be executed on a one-year trial basis, and if it doesn't work, cancel the agreement. Bill Norton, City Manager, noted that most City's require their Chamber of Commerce to provide the Council with a quarterly report. Bill Cooper, Bella Saratoga/Owner indicated to Council that the City and the Chamber of Commerce has had an agreement for twelve years without any increases in that time period. Mayor Bogosian explained that the Council was not willing to go forward with the execution of the Chamber of Commerce agreement, and Mr. Norton should take it back to them and let the Chamber know that the City needs some accountability of services. He also noted that the City subsidizes the Chamber of Commerce providing the building essentially free of charge. He explained that he did not view this as a cost of living increase. Also that he believed this has been the first Council in many years to examine the relationship with the Chamber of Comemrce. Councilmember Mehaffey noted that he feels the Council would like to give the . Chamber $10,000, but we need to see how their service is effective and paragraph 1G in the contract, assistance in code enforcement, is not that unacceptable. Mayor Bogosian indicated that Bill Norton, City Manager should take the agreement back to the Chamber of Commerce for re-negotiation. BAKER moved deny the authorization to execute an agreement with the Saratoga Chamber of Commerce, seconded by WALTONSMITH and carried unanimously. 10. AUTHORIZE THE CITY MANGER TO OFFER ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT INCENTIVES FOR SARATOGA VILLAGE AND GATEWAY DISTRICTS. STAFF RECOMMENDATION: That Council approve economic incentives. Bill Norton, City Manager presented staff report. He indicated that after the March 15 and April 5, 2000 Council Meetings the City Council directed staff to take proactive measures in the business districts. On June 21, 2000 Council approved funding in the FY 2000-2001 budget for City economic development efforts including the Saratoga Village and the Gateway retail areas. City staff has met over the past four months with representatives from the Saratoga Business and Development Council (SBDC) to provide a framework for economic development. Mr. Norton explained the following direction that is before the Council tonight for approval: City Council Minutes July 5, 2000 1. Begin with a one block clean up and minor improvements in the Village. 2. Authorize hiring a landscape architect to prepare schematic plans for the Village. 3. Negotiate with property owners and prospective merchants, when opportunities arise, to seed business districts with destination-oriented merchants. Mr. Norton explained that City staff could do the sidewalk cleanup and clean the existing streetlights. He went on to say that currently there is no uniformity in the downtown area. There are also mismatched streetlights and planters. The idea is to take one block in the Village and demonstrate what the Village could look like. Mr. Norton noted that staff has contacted Paul Rodriguez, Landscape Architect and he has submitted proposals for conceptual design sketches and study of Big basin Way for immediate and longer-term improvements. Mr. Noton explained that if the Village had 4-5 destination oriented retail establishments which would provide an increase in the foot-traffic to the district, and, sales and business license tax revenues by the City. Also, Mr. Norton noted that several citizens have complained that the Village doesn't have local serving retail stores such as a hardware or drug store. While it is a worthwhile investment to prevent blight and increase foot-traffic, the investment by the City would not provide business license and sales tax revenue to justify this as an investment with probable payback within a short term. Councilmember Mehaffey thanked staff for all the work they have done putting together a plan, which he thinks, might work. He noted that he supports this fully except he wouldn't support subsidizing business on a yearly basis but only on a one-time only basis. Consensus of the Council to move forward on the economic development efforts in Saratoga Village and Gateway. 11. AUTHORIZE REQUEST FOR PROPOSALS FOR CIVIC CENTER AND COMMUNITY CENTER MASTER PLAN. STAFF RECOMMENDATION That Council authorize requests for proposals. Mary Jo Walker, Director of Administrative Services, presented staff report. On October 26, 1999, the City Council heard a presentation by Anderson Brule Architects detailing options for renovation of the Community Center and Senior Center. At a later meeting Council directed staff to explore the option of building a new Civic Center complex. The RFP presents four options of site plans. Mary Jo Walker explained the four options as follows: 1. Anew City Council Chamber, a new gymnasium, and rebuilding of the existing Community Center, City Theater and City Hall. 2. The same as the first except for the new gymnasium. 3. Demolishing and rebuilding the Community/Senior Center and building a new City Council Chambers, but no remodeling of the other buildings. 4. Entire existing Civic Center complex be demolished and rebuilt. 10 City Council Minutes July 5, 2000 Mayor Bogosian noted that the recent survey that was in the Saratogan indicated not a lot of support for a gymnasium. Mary Jo Walker responded that was the direction she was given during the March 21St meeting. Couniclmember Streit indicated also that the survey didn't show much support for a new gymnasium and the residents weren't supported of another bond issue. He went on to note that whatever the City builds that the City would have to assume the financial responsibility for the cost of it. He would like to see the options redone leaving out the gymnasium and the demolition of the entire complex. Mayor Bogosain suggested that we look at a much bigger concept using the existing space more efficiently. He felt that if the buildings were configured differently that a possible playfield could be added. Councilmember Waltonsmith indicated that she would like to look at the space we have currently, and what types of facilities dose the City need in the future. Councilmember Baker indicated that unless you look at the long-term master plan you might build some things in the wrong place. Councilmember Waltonsmith suggested replacing the gymnasium with one soccer field. Councilmember Mehaffey suggested to staff to rework the proposals and come back at a later date. He would like to see the focus on option number four looking at a future facility with all options available. Councilmemeer Waltonsmith agreed with Councilmember Mehaffey and would like to see the overall scheme of space used. BAKER moved approve RFP for proposals for Civic Center Master Plan with staff returning with two options at a later date, seconded by STREIT and carried unanimously. CITY COUNCIL ITEMS Councilmember Baker reminded everyone that donations were still being accepted towards the World War II Memorial. Councilmember Waltonsmith requested that the dais be properly secured together because tonight it was very unstable. She also wanted to know the status on the Cupertino office • conversion report and the property on Harleigh Avenue. 11 City Council Minutes July 5, 2000 • OTHER None CITY MANAGER'S REPORT Bill Norton, City Manger, reported that the City has received $630.00 in donations towards the World War II memorial. Mr. Norton also reported the Senate Bill 1883 was approved and will go to the floor of the Assembly. He reported the Assemblyman Jim Cunneen was helping the bill along. ADJOURNMENT There being no further business, the Mayor declared the meeting adjourned at 10:22 p.m. Respectfully submitted, Cathleen Boyer City Clerk 12