HomeMy WebLinkAbout08-06-2008 City Council MinutesMINUTES
SARATOGA CITY COUNCIL
AUGUST 6, 2008
OPEN SESSION - 6:00 P.M.
ADMINISTRATIVE CONFERENCE ROOM, 13777 FRUITVALE AVENUE.
The City Council held a Joint Meeting with the Hakone Foundation at 6:00 P.M.
Mayor Waltonsmith called the Regular City Council meeting to order at 7:OOP.M. and led
the Pledge of Allegiance.
ROLL CALL
PRESENT: Councilmembers Aileen Kao, Vice Mayor Chuck Page,
Mayor Ann Waltonsmith
ABSENT: Councilmembers Jill Hunter and Kathleen King
ALSO Barbara Powell, Acting City Manager
PRESENT: Richard Taylor, City Attorney
Ann Sullivan, Acting City Clerk
Mary Furey, Administrative Services Director
John Cherbone, Public Works Director
John Livingstone, Community Development Director
Michael Taylor: Recreation Director
Crystal Morrow, Administrative Analyst II
REPORT OF CITY CLERK ON POSTING OF AGENDA
Ann Sullivan, Acting City Clerk, reported that pursuant to Government Code Section
54954.2, the agenda for the meeting of August 6, 2008 was properly posted on August 1,
2008.
COMMUNICATIONS FROM COMMISSIONS & PUBLIC
Oral Communications on Non-Agendized Items
Kathy Forte addressed the Council regarding the Redwood Trees at the Gatehouse. She
noted trees were being removed at the Gatehouse without a tree removal permit. She
stated she brought this concern to the attention of City Arborist Kate Bear and the
Gatehouse Homeowners Association as well. She is concerned about the welfare of the
trees and would like assistance from the City.
Don Bowden addressed the Council regarding the construction project on Ronnie Way.
He stated the concern of the neighborhood is that a carport is being constructed and that
he and his neighbors would like this issue agendized for discussion on the next Council
agenda as carports should not be permitted on Ronnie Way.
Bob Wallace spoke about the retaining wall on Comer Avenue and stated the City should
not be spending $200,000 on repairing this wall and that it can be done for about
$200.00.
Mimi Mather noted her concerns regarding the Ronnie Way carport construction and
stated the neighbors are in the process of circulating a petition and collecting signatures
supporting their concern and objection to carports on Ronnie Way. In addition, she also
asked that this item be agendized for discussion so the residents can be heard properly.
Paul Hernandez addressed the Council regarding his permit application to put a sign up
on Saratoga Lodge. He stated he was shocked at the cost of the fee, which was $2100
and that he would have to hire an architect to assist with the style of the sign, etc. He
noted that there has been a change in staff in the planning department since his initial
contact with the City and the new staff is now telling him there will be another fee of
$2500 plus a $2700 variance fee. He has asked for a refund of his application fee and
was told he could not get a refund and is now asking Council to look into this.
Linda Mighdoll addressed the Council regarding the carport concern on Ronnie Way and
asked Council to agendize this for discussion in an open forum.
Council Direction to Staff
Council directed staff to:
o Follow up with City Arborist Kate Bear regarding the tree removal concern at the
Gatehouse;
o Council directed Public Works Director John Cherbone to contact Bob Wallace
regarding repair work on the Comer Avenue retaining wall;
o Vice Mayor Page asked staff to provide background information on the carport
issue; and
o Council asked staff to provide them information regarding sign fee application
refunds.
Communications from Boards and Commissions
AT & T representative Leon Beauchman presented Council with a Light Speed
Medallion to show their appreciation to the Council and staff for their assistance in
allowing AT & T to upgrade the cable/Internet service in Saratoga.
Hakone Executive Director Lon Saavedra addressed the Council regarding the Joint
Meeting held at 6:OOPM in the Administrative Conference Room. Mr. Saavedra thanked
the Council for the successful year they have had -especially regarding the infrastructure
concerns. He then introduced Dr. Masato Matsua, the new Board Chair. Dr. Matsua
thanked the Council for their continued support of Hakone Gardens.
Director Saavedra concluded his report by announcing the 85`h Anniversary of Puccini's
"Madame Butterfly" performance on September 5`h; and on October 8`h Hakone will be
hosting an Italian Festival and welcomed everyone to attend the festivities.
ANNOUNCEMENTS
None
CEREMONIAL ITEMS
None
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SPECIAL PRESENTATIONS
None
CONSENT CALENDAR
1. City Council Minutes -August 4, 2004
STAFF RECOMMENDATION:
Approve minutes.
Vice Mayor Page requested this item be removed from the Consent Calendar. Vice
Mayor Page stated he had submitted a correction to the City Clerk prior to the
meeting.
PAGE/KAO MOVED TO APPROVE CITY COUNCIL MINUTES OF AUGUST
4.2004 AS AMENDED. MOTION PASSED 3-0-2 WITH COUNCILMEMBERS
KING AND HUNTER ABSENT.
2. City Council Minutes -November 17, 2004
STAFF RECOMMENDATION:
Approve minutes.
PAGE/KAO MOVED TO APPROVE CITY COUNCIL MINUTES OF
NOVEMBER 17, 2004. MOTION PASSED 3-0-2 WITH COUNCILMEMBERS
KING AND HUNTER ABSENT.
3. City Council Minutes -May 2, 2007
STAFF RECOMMENDATION:
Approve minutes.
PAGE/KAO MOVED TO APPROVE CITY COUNCIL MINUTES OF MAY 2,
2007. MOTION PASSED 3-0-2 WITH COUNCILMEMBERS KING AND
HUNTER ABSENT.
4. City Council Minutes -August 1, 2007
STAFF RECOMMENDATION:
Approve minutes.
PAGE/KAO MOVED TO APPROVE CITY COUNCIL MINUTES OF AUGUST
1, 2007. MOTION PASSED 3-0-2 WITH COUNCILMEMBERS KING AND
HiJNTER ABSENT.
5. City Council Minutes -October 17, 2007
STAFF RECOMMENDATION:
Approve minutes.
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PAGE/KAO MOVED TO APPROVE CITY COUNCIL MINUTES OF
OCTOBER 17, 2007. MOTION PASSED 3-0-2 WITH COUNCILMEMBERS
KING AND HUNTER ABSENT.
6. City Council Minutes -July 16, 2008
STAFF RECOMMENDATION:
Approve minutes.
PAGE/KAO MOVED TO APPROVE CITY COUNCIL MINUTES OF JULY 16,
2008. MOTION PASSED 3-0-2 WITH COUNCILMEMBERS KING AND
HUNTER ABSENT.
7. C1P Study Session Minutes -July 19, 2008
STAFF RECOMMENDATION:
Approve minutes.
PAGE/KAO MOVED TO APPROVE CITY COUNCIL MINUTES OF JULY 19.
2008. MOTION PASSED 3-0-2 WITH COUNCILMEMBERS KING AND
HUNTER ABSENT.
8. Treasurer's Report for the Month Ended Apri130, 2008
STAFF RECOMMENDATION:
Review and accept Treasurer's Report for the Month Ended April 30, 2008.
PAGE/KAO MOVED TO ACCEPT TREASURER'S REPORT FOR THE
MONTH ENDED APRIL 30, 2008. MOTION PASSED 3-0-2 WITH
COUNCILMEMBERS KING AND HUNTER ABSENT.
9. Review of Accounts Payable Check Registers
STAFF RECOMMENDATION:
That the City Council accepts the Check Registers for Accounts Payable cycles:
Juiy 10, 2008
July 17, 2008
July 24, 2008
PAGE/KAO MOVED TO ACCEPT THE CHECK REGISTERS FOR
ACCOUNTS PAYABLE CYCLES JULY 10, 2008, JULY 17, 2008 AND JULY
24, 2008. MOTION PASSED 3-0-2 WITH COUNCILMEMBERS KING AND
HUNTER ABSENT.
10. Acceptance of $3,400 Grant from Saratoga Rotary for North Campus Improvements
STAFF RECOMMENDATION:
Adopt a resolution and approve a budget amendment to accept a $3,400 grant from
the Saratoga Rotary Club for North Campus improvements.
RESOLUTION N0.08-052
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PAGE/KAO MOVED TO ADOPT A RESOLUTION AND APPROVE A
BUDGET AMENDMENT TO ACCEPT A $3,400 GRANT FROM THE
SARATOGA ROTARY CLUB FOR NORTH CAMPUS IMPROVEMENTS.
MOTION PASSED 3-0-2 WITH COUNCILMEMBERS KING AND HUNTER
ABSENT.
11. Subdivision Improvement Agreement Extension
STAFF RECOMMENDATION:
1. Approve Amendment to the Subdivision Improvement Agreement between
Warren A. Sturla and the City of Saratoga.
2. Authorize the City Manager to execute the Subdivision Improvement Agreement
Amendment.
PAGE/KAO MOVED TO 1.) APPROVE AMENDMENT TO THE
SUBDIVISION IMPROVEMENT AGREEMENT BETWEEN WARREN A.
STURLA AND THE CITY OF SARATOGA. 2) AUTHORIZE THE CITY
MANAGER TO EXECUTE THE SUBDIVISION IMPROVEMENT
AGREEMENT AMENDMENT. MOTION PASSED 3-0-2 WITH
COUNCILMEMBERS KING AND HUNTER ABSENT.
12. Award of Design Contract for the Village Pedestrian Enhancement Project
STAFF RECOMMENDATION:
Move to award a professional services contract with Gates and Associates for Design
Services in the amount of $99,612 connected to the Village Pedestrian Enhancement
Project and authorize the City Manager to execute the same.
PAGE/KAO MOVED TO AWARD A PROFESSIONAL SERVICES
CONTRACT WITH GATES AND ASSOCIATES FOR DESIGN SERVICES
IN THE AMOUNT OF $99, 612 CONNECTED TO THE VILLAGE
PEDESTRIAN ENHANCEMENT PROJECT AND AUTHORIZE THE CITY
MANAGER TO EXECUTE THE SAME. MOTION PASSED 3-0-2 WITH
COUNCILMEMBERS KING AND HUNTER ABSENT.
13. Amendment to Valet Parking Ordinance to Eliminate Annual Review Requirement
STAFF RECOMMENDATION:
Waive the Second Reading and adopt the Proposed Ordinance Amendment
ORDINANCE NO. 260
PAGE/KAO MOVED TO WAIVE THE SECOND READING AND ADOPT
THE PROPOSED ORDINANCE AMENDMENT. MOTION PASSED 3-0-2
WITH COUNCILMEMBERS KING AND HUNTER ABSENT.
14. Motor Vehicle (MV) Resolution authorizing No Parking or Stopping
STAFF RECOMMENDATION:
Move to adopt the Motor Vehicle Resolution authorizing "No Parking or Stopping"
on Marshall Lane
MV RESOLUTION N0.279
PAGE/KAO MOVED TO ADOPT THE MOTOR VEHICLE RESOLUTION
AUTHORIZING "NO PARKING OR STOPPING" ON MARSHALL LANE.
MOTION PASSED 3-0-2 WITH COUNCILMEMBERS KING AND HUNTER
ABSENT.
15. West Valley College Playfield Vertical Bypass Drainage Project (Sand Channel
Improvements) -Notice of Completion
STAFF RECOMMENDATION:
Move to accept the West Valley College Playfield Vertical Bypass Drainage Project
as complete and authorize staff to record the Notice of Completion for the
construction contract.
PAGE/KAO MOVED TO ACCEPT THE WEST VALLEY COLLEGE
PLAYFIELD VERTICAL BYPASS DRAINAGE PROJECT AS COMPLETE
AND AUTHORIZE STAFF TO RECORD THE NOTICE OF COMPLETION
FOR THE CONSTRUCTION CONTRACT. MOTION PASSED 3-0-2 WITH
COUNCILMEMBERS KING AND HUNTER ABSENT.
PUBLIC HEARINGS
None
OLD BUSINESS
16. 2008 Fall Issue of The Saratogan
STAFF RECOMMENDATION:
Accept report and direct staff accordingly.
Administrative Analyst Crystal Morrow presented the staff report and asked if
Council had any recommendations.
Mayor Waltonsmith invited public comment.
No one was present to comment on this item.
Council direction to staff regarding articles for the Fall issue of the Saratogan:
o Community Block Grants process, i.e., who can apply, how to apply and when
o Annual Block Party Events
o Community Garage Sale
o West Valley Recycling Annual Clean Up
o Hakone Gardens -Fall Foliage
o Naming of Recreation Building
NEW BUSINESS
None
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ADHOC & AGENCY ASSIGNMENT REPORTS
Mayor Ann Waltonsmith -reported:
Hakone Foundation Executive Committee -noted they had just met in a Joint Meeting
earlier.
Sister City Liaison -noted the Sister City Exchange Students would be arriving the
following week and would be formally greeted at City Hall by Councilmember Kao.
KSAR -noted that Councilmember Hunter had informed her that a recently hired part
time Director for KSAR had suddenly passed away and the Council expressed their
sympathy to the family members.
Vice Mayor Chuck Page -announced:
West Valley Sanitation District -has done some research regarding the sewer clean out
system on a specific property in Saratoga that was not completed when the District
initially installed these systems. The District is working with the property owner to
resolve his issue.
Councilmember Kathleen King -absent
Councilmember Jill Hunter -absent
Councilmember Aileen Kao -announced:
She was planning to attend the West Valley Solid Waste Joint Powers Association
meeting on Thursday, August 7t'' in place of Councilmember Hunter; however, the
meeting has been postponed until Thursday of the following week. (Assistant City
Manager Barbara Powell will notify Councilmember Hunter of this change).
CITY COUNCIL ITEMS
Vice Mayor Page commented about "sustainability" and noted that he and
Councilmember King approached several sports user groups to see if they would be
amenable to distributing reusable water bottles to their team members as well as the
competing team. Many of the user groups welcomed this suggestion and are considering
putting this suggestion in the Sports User Agreement.
Mayor Waltonsmith supported this idea and suggested Vice Mayor Page notify
Administrative Analyst Morrow if this does occur and Morrow could do a Press Release.
The Mayor also noted she would then let the Green Leaf Committee know about this
wonderful idea.
CITY MANAGER'S REPORT
None
ADJOURNMENT
There being no further business, Mayor Waltonsmith adjourned the meeting at 7:40PM.
PAGE/KAO MOVED TO ADJOURN THE REGULAR MEETING AT 7:40PM ON
AUGUST 6, 2008. MOTION PASSED 3-0-2 WITH COUNCILMEMBERS KING
AND HUNTER ABSENT.
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Res ectfully submitted,
c
Ann Sullivan, CMC
Acting City Clerk