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HomeMy WebLinkAbout01-07-2004 City Council MinutesMINUTES SARATOGA CITY COUNCIL JANUARY 7, 2004 The City Council of the City of Saratoga held a Joint Session with the Finance Commission in the Administrative Conference Room, 13777 Fruitvale Avenue, at 5:30 p.m. The following Finance Commissioners were present: Chair Richard Allen, Simon Chin, Jim Hughes, Ajay Narin, Bart W. Rubenson; Alex Tennant, Norma Siegler, and Jesse Baloca, Staff Liaison/Administrative ServicesDirector. Director Baloca presented a brief overview of the City's current financial situation. Director Baloca stated that as a result of Governor Davis' pulling the VLF trigger in late June 2003 the City lost an estimated $375k of its current 2003-04 operating budget. Currently, the State considers the reduction of our current year revenue stream a loan that will be repaid in 2006. Director Baloca stated on November 17, 2003 Governor Schwarzenegger rescinded the VLF increase to vehicle owners. The attempt to make local government whole has thus far been unsuccessful in receiving the approval of the Legislature. Director Baloca stated that as a result the City estimates that an additional loss of $945k until the end of this fiscal year. Director Baloca explained that on the average, the City of Saratoga receives approximately $145k a month in total VLF revenues. The City's VLF receipts for December 2003 were reduced to $31k. The VLF revenue stream supports approximately 21.5% of the City's general fund. On December 18, 2003, the Governor re-stated his intention to distribute the VLF to cities. Discussion took place in regards to how the Finance Commission could help the City monitor the budget and educate the community. Mayor Waltonsmtih thanked the Finance Commission for attending tonight's Joint Session. The City Council met in Closed Session in the Administrative Conference Room, 13777 Fruitvale Avenue, at 6:3 0 p.m. Conference with Legal Counsel -Threatened Litigation: Significant exposure to litigation pursuant to Government Code section 54956.9(b): (2 potential case) Conference with Legal Counsel -Initiation of litigation (Gov't Code section 54956.9(c): (1 potential case). Conference With Legal Counsel -Existing Litigation: (Government Code section 54956.9(a)) Name of case: City of Saratoga v. Escamilla (Santa Clara County Superior Court No. 1-03-CV-0053) MAYOR'S REPORT ON CLOSED SESSION - 7:00 p.m. Mayor Waltonsmith reported there was Council discussion but no action was taken. Mayor Waltonsmith called the Regular City Council meeting to order at 7:00 p.m. and lead the Pledge of Allegiance. ROLL CALL PRESENT: Councilmembers Stan Bogosian, Norman Kline, Nick Streit, Vice Mayor Kathleen King, Mayor Ann Waltonsmith ABSENT: None ALSO PRESENT: Dave Anderson, City Manager Lorie Tinfow, Assistant City Manager Richazd Taylor, City Attorney Cathleen Boyer, City Clerk Jesse Baloca, Administrative Services Director Tom Sullivan, Community Development Director John Cherbone, Public Works Director Morgan Kessler, Civil Engineer Cay Bloomquist, Administrative Analyst REPORT OF CITY CLERK ON POSTING OF AGENDA FOR JANUARY 7, 2004 Cathleen Boyer, City Clerk, reported that pursuant to Government Code Section 54954.2, the agenda for the meeting of January 7, 2004 was properly posted on December 18, 2003. COMMUNICATIONS FORM COMMISSIONS & PUBLIC ORAL COMMUNICATIONS No one requested to speak. COMMUNICATIONS FROM COMMISSIONS Richard Allen, Chair/ Finance Commission, noted that prior to the City Council meeting the Commission met with the City Council. Chair Allen briefly explained the Finance Commission's Mission Statement and provided the names of the members of the Commission. Chair Allen explained that the Commission has been focusing on the following: • Review Financial Performance and Budgets Develop City Metric Develop Reserve Polices Develop Plan for Financial Communication to Residents Chair Allen pointed out the highlights from the Joint Meeting with the Council stating that Director Baloca and City Manager Anderson explained provided an overview of the City's budget and possible risks that might be created by the State's budget. Mayor Waltonsmith thanked Chair Allen for his report. WRITTEN COMMUNICATIONS None COUNCIL DIRECTION TO STAFF None ANNOUNCEMENTS None CEREMONIAL ITEMS None SPECIAL PRESENTATIONS None CONSENT CALENDAR lA. APPROVAL OF CITY COUNCIL MINUTES -DECEMBER 9, 2003 STAFF RECOMMENDATION: Approve minutes. BOGOSIAN/STREIT MOVED TO APPROVE CITY COUNCIL MINUTES FROM DECEMEBR 9, 2003. MOTION PASSED 5-0. 1B. REVIEW OF CHECK REGISTER STAFF RECOMMENDATION: Approve check register. BOGOSIAN/STREIT MOVED TO APPROVE CHECK REGISTER. MOTION PASSED 5-0. 1 C. BUDGET ACCOUNTABILITY ACT STAFF RECOMMENDATION: Adopt resolution. RESOLUTION: 04-OOl Gayle Tiller, Public Affairs Director/ Planned Pazenthood Representative, requested that item 1C be removed from the Consent Calendar. Ms. Tiller stated that Planned Pazenthood is a member of the Silicon Valley Coalition of the Budget Accountability Act and urged the City Council to endorse the Act. Ms. Tiller stated that the Budget Accountability Act is a comprehensive reform initiative designed to end state budget gridlock, reduce the annual political posturing in Sacramento, and deliver a timely and responsible State Budget. Ms. Tiller noted that Proposition 56 would be on the March 2004 ballot. Ms. Tiller explained what the Act would do: • Require the legislature to stay in session until the budget is done • Hold legislators and the Governor accountable by withholding their pay if they fail to meet the constitutional deadline for passing the budget • Require a 55% vote to adopt the budget and any related tax legislation • Create a "rainy day" reserve fund to protect services in bad times • Include summary of budget expenditures in the voters pamphlet Referring to the last paragraph of the resolution, Councilmember Streit stated that his issue is with the proposed 55% vote to pass the budget. Councilmember Streit stated that he is not willing to support the resolution because he feels that 55% is too low; one particular party on either side could control it. The current 66 2/3 keeps the balance Councilmember Bogosian stated that the legislature and the previous governor were not fiscally responsible. Councilmember Bogosian noted that he does support the accountability provisions of the resolution but cannot support the resolution because of the 55% vote to pass the budget. KLINE/KING MOVED TO ADOPT RESOLUTION TO SUPPORT THE BUDGET ACCOUNTABILITY ACT. MOTION PASSED 3-2 WITH BOGOSIAN AND STREIT OPPOSING. 1D. SECOND READING AND ADOPTION OF A ZONING ORDINANCE AMENDMENT TO CREATE AN OVERLAY ZONE FOR DRIVE- THROUGH SERVICES STAFF RECOMMENDATION: Adopt ordinance. ORDINANCE: 227 BOGOSIAN/STREIT MOVED TO ADOPT ORDINANCE AMENDMENT TO CREATE AND OVERLAY ZONE FOR DRIVE-THROUGH SERVICES. MOTION PASSED 5-0. 4 lE. ADDITIONAL STRIPING WORK IN CONJUNCTION WITH THE 2003 PAVEMENT MAINTENANCE PROGRAM STAFF RECOMMENDATION: Approve change order amount. BOGOSIAN/STREIT MOVED TO APPROVE CHANGE ORDER IN THE AMOUNT OF $55.000 FOR ADDITIONAL STRIPING WORK ASSOCIATED WITH THE 2003 PMP. MOTION PASSED 5-0. 1F. MEASURE B - A BALLOT MEASURE TO CONTINUE SUPPORT FOR SANTA CLARA COUNTY LIBRARIES STAFF RECOMMENDATION: Adopt resolution. RESOLUTION: 04-002 BOGOSIAN/STREIT MOVED TO ADOPT RESOLUTION SUPPORTING MEASURE B - A BALLOT MEASURE TO CONTINUE SUPPORT FOR SANTA CLARA COUNTY LIBRARIES. MOTION PASSED 5-0. 1G. PARKING VIOLATION PENALTY INCREASE STAFF RECOMMENDATION: Adopt resolution. RESOLUTION: 04-003 Councilmember Bogosian requested that item 1G be removed from the Consent Calendar. Councilmember Bogosian asked if there were any documents to support the cost to recover the tickets in order to show the costs have increased to this level. Councilmember Bogosian stated that if there is no proof, he would not support an additional fee without public participation Steve Prosser, Community Service Officer, explained that recently the City moved to an electronic ticket writing process, which in turn caused the increase the contract costs. Councilmember Bogosian asked if the increase was total cost recovery. Community Officer Prosser responded yes, it is full cost recovery with no excess. BOGOSIAN/KING MOVED TO ADOPT RESOLUTION TO INCREASE THE AMOUNT OF FINE REQUIRED FOR A PARKING VIOLATION. MOTION PASSED 5-0. PUBLIC HEARINGS RESOLUTION ORDERING THE ABATEMENT OF A PUBLIC NUISANCE BY REMOVAL OF HAZARDOUS VEGETATION STAFF RECOMMENDATION: Open public hearing; close public hearing; adopt resolution. RESOLUTION: 04-004 Cathleen Boyer, City Clerk presented staff report. City Clerk Boyer stated that the attached resolution represents the second step in Saratoga's Hazardous Vegetation Abatement Program administered by the County Fire Marshall. The County has sent owners of the parcels requiring weed abatement notices informing them that the weeds must be abated, either by the owners or by the County. The notice also informed them that they may present objections at tonight's public hearing. City Clerk Boyer pointed out that representatives from the County Fire Marshall's Office were present this evening to answer any questions Councilmembers may have on this topic. Mayor Waltonsmith opened the public hearing and invited public comments. Seeing none, Mayor Waltonsmith closed the public hearing. BOGOSIAN/KING MOVED TO ADOPT RESOLUTION ORDERING ABATEMENT OF A PUBLIC NUISANCE BY REMOVAL OF HAZARDOUS VEGETATION. MOTION PASSED 5-0. FIVE YEAR (2001-2006) CAPITAL IMPROVEMENT PLAN (CIP) FY 03- 04UPDATE -ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACT ASSESSMENTS &CIP BUDGET PRIORITIZATION STAFF RECOMMENDATION: Accept report; conduct public hearing; adopt Environmental Assessment; adopt resolution amending the 2001-2006 CIP Budget reflecting Council direction from the 11/5/03 City Council meeting. RESOLUTION: 04-005 John Cherbone, Public Works Director, presented staff report. Director Cherbone briefly explained the CIP process and the environmental assessment. Director Cherbone stated that staff recommends that Council adopt the Environmental Impact Assessment and the Environmental Checklist Form for 2003-04 CIP Update, except for the Odd Fellows Trail Project and the Norton Road Fire Access Project. Director Cherbone noted that at the December 17`h City Council meeting, Council directed staff to provided an analysis of the projects in the five-year CIP, which could be placed on hold or postponed until the City's financial situation stabilizes due to the States take away of the Vehicle License Fee (VLF) revenue. Director Cherbone noted that projects for postponement were prioritized based on the following: 1) Projects funded by outside sources 2) Projects with safety elements 3) Maintenance 4) Projects that are ongoing Director Cherbone noted that staff has identified $4,121,204, which meets the minimum requirements directed by the City Council. Mayor Waltonsmith opened the public hearing and invited public comments. Seeing none, Mayor Waltonsmith closed the public hearing. KLINE/BOGOSIAN MOVED TO ADOPT RESOLUTION AMENDING THE MULTIPLE YEAR CIP BUDGET AND ADOPT THE ENVIRONMENTAL ASSESSMENT REPORT. MOTION PASSED 5-0. ORDINANCE ENABLING CITY MANAGER AND CITY ATTORNEY TO APPROVE CLAIMS FILED $3,000 OR LESS STAFF RECOMMENDATION: Open public hearing; waive first reading; direct staff to place on next agenda for adoption. Richazd Taylor, City Attorney, presented staff report. City Attorney Taylor explained that State law and the Saratoga City Code require that the City be given an opportunity to review a claim against the City before the claimant pursues the matter in Superior Court. City Attorney Taylor noted that currently all such claims are heard by the City Council. Government Code section 935.4 allows the City Council to delegate to City staff claim review and payment authority for claims under $50,000. Because many claims are small and do not raise major policy issues, staff recommends that the City Manager be authorized to process minor claims with the concurrence of the City Attorney. This will speed processing of claims and reduce the administrative burden to applicants and to the City Council. City Attorney Taylor noted that the attached ordinance would authorize the City Manager to accept, settle, or reject claims against the City of $3,000 or less with the concurrence of the City Attorney. Staff would retain the discretion to seek Council review for claims that are less than $3,000 and would be required to seek Council review for claims that are more than $3,000. City Attorney Taylor noted that the figure of $3,000 was selected as a threshold because it appears that claims below this amount are generally minor and non- controversial in nature. Councilmember Kline asked how the Council would be kept abreast of claims that fall under this ordinance. City Attorney Taylor responded that a line could be added to the ordinance stating that within 10 days of claim resolution Council would be notified. Mayor Waltonsmith opened the public hearing and invited public comments. Seeing none, Mayor Waltonsmith closed the public hearing. BOGOSIAN/STREIT MOVED TO INTRODUCE ORDINANCE AS AMENDED• WAIVE FIRST READING; PLACE ITEM ON NEXT AGENDA FOR ADOPTION. MOTION PASSED 5-0. OLD BUSINESS NORTON ROAD FIRE ACCESS -UPDATE STAFF RECOMMENDATION: Accept report and direct staff accordingly. John Cherbone, Public Works Director, presented staff report. Director Cherbone explained that at the December 17, 2003, City Council meeting, Council directed staff to provide an update to Council regarding the Norton Road Fire Access issue. Director Cherbone briefly provided Council with the background of the issue. Director Cherbone noted that the AdHoc Committee met with members of the Montalvo Association on October 22"a and November 18`h. Director Cherbone stated that at the second meeting Montalvo submitted an alternative route going through their property, which begins on Norton Road and exits in their upper parking lot near their water tank. This route bypasses the Artist in Residency area. The negative aspect of this route is it would be more expensive than the Artist in Residency route. Staff is currently performing a cost analysis of the new route. Director Cherbone noted that Montalvo staff would be submitting the new alternative route to their board for approval in late January. A status report would be forthcoming to City Council in February. Dave Dolloff noted that he has been involved with this project since the beginning. Mr. Dolloff stated that at the last meeting Montalvo agreed that there is a need for the emergency access road. Mr. Dolloff stated that the City should be weary of Montalvo prolonging the process with the hope that the project would not get done. Mr. Dolloff stated that the road is for the benefit for over 400 residents on the hillside and to allow all vehicles a safe route to egress safely in an event of an emergency. Ed Ferrell noted that he concurred with Mr. Dolloff. Mr. Ferrell stated that Montalvo's alternative route is too expensive. Mr. Ferrell requested that the Council not support their alternative. Mr., Ferrell stated that Bohlman Road has to be left open for emergency vehicles in case of an emergency. Greg Prow noted that he was the current President of the Montalvo Board. Mr. Prow stated that the Montalvo Board has a fiduciary duty to the State in regards to the 177 acres. Mr. Prow stated that Montalvo is a part of this community and wants to be a good neighbor. Mr. Prow stated that Montalvo is willing to work with the City on the process although they are not obligated to do anything. Councilmember Kline asked Mr. Prow what he meant by the comment that Montalvo did not have to do anything. Councilmember Kline asked if he was talking from a legal point of view. Mr. Prow stated that the property is held in a trust and ultimately owned by the State of California. Vice Mayor King asked Director Cherbone if he had an approximate cost for the access road. Director Cherbone noted that the original cost was approximately $110, 000. Director Cherbone noted that after discussing the issue with Montalvo, another $50,000 would need to be added to address aesthetics concerns. Councilmember Bogosian stated that this issue has been going on for the past few years. Councilmember Bogosian stated that the Council has the constitutional obligation to provide for the health and safety of the community. Councilmember Bogosian stated that it is his belief that this obligation supercedes a fiduciary duty on the part of any organization or property owner if there is a safety concern. Councilmember Streit stated that he feels that the City needs to keep working with Montalvo and go through the public process and look at all the options. Councilmember King concurred with Councilmember Streit. Councilmember Kline noted hat he concurred with his colleagues, but this is not a new issue. Councilmember Kline suggested that staff come back to Council within 30 days and start the public process. Councilmember Kline stated firmly that the City cannot allow a safety issue like this to continue. Vice Mayor King asked if the SFPD could give the City in writing their opinion on all of the options. Consensus of the City Council to direct staff to return with all of the options for the access road at the March 3`d City Council meeting, notice every involved party, and request an opinion letter from the SFPD in regards to each option. 6. LAFCO FIRE PROTECTION SERVICE REVIEW STAFF RECOMMENDATION: Accept report and direct staff accordingly. Dave Anderson, City Manager, presented staff report. City Manager Anderson noted that the draft countywide fire Protection Service Review report was issued on November 18, 2003. The Service Review is required by the State and specifies that LAFCO conduct service reviews prior to or in conjunction with the five-year mandated sphere of influence updates. There view of fire services in Santa Clara County is first in a series of such service reviews. This Service Review includes all fire service agencies in the County including seven city fire departments and four fire protection districts. City Manager Anderson explained that the report includes a special in-depth report on regional fire protection alternatives for Saratoga and surrounding areas. This special area of study was initiated because of a concern with duplication of service with two separate jurisdictions providing fire and EMS response in the City of Sazatoga. Fire and EMS protection in the City of Saratoga is provided by the Santa Clara County Central Fire Protection District and by the Saratoga Fire Protection District. Each covers approximately half of the City. Service levels and cost are different between the two Districts as detailed in the report on page 111. A Boundary Drop Agreement, however, has alleviated many of the on-going operational issues. The report presented four alternatives related to possible governmental reorganization of the fire service delivery, including: 1) Dissolution of the Sazatoga Fire Protection District and annexation to County Fire 2) The City withdrawing from both Districts and making a decision about a unified approach to service delivery within the City 3) Expansion of the Saratoga Fire Protection District into the County fire area of the City 4) Continuation of the current approach with/without additional service improvements. City Manager Anderson stated that LAFCO is soliciting comments from the affected agencies and the public by January 7, 2004. LAFCO is willing to accept input from Saratoga on January 8, 2004 incorporating tonight's comments. City Manager Anderson noted that this item was placed on the Council agenda this evening mainly to receive comments from Saratoga residents that would be passed along to LAFCO along with the City Council's comments. Neelima Palacherla, Executive Director /LAFCO, added that once comments have been submitted from all of the effective agencies and the public the consultant will respond to these comments and present them in the report for Februazy 11, 2004 hearing. 10 David Dolloff noted that he was the Chair of the FACT (Fire Fighters & Citizen Task Force). Mr. Dolloff stated that the LAFCO report identified the same findings that the FACT group came up with over two years ago. Refemng to the report's findings, Mr. Dolloff noted that without County's help, the SFPD would a non-viable fire district. Mr. Dolloff stated that if there is a major fire or earthquake; a situation where you need manpower, the boundary drop situation would leave us without adequate coverage. County would provide two pieces of equipment and seven firefighters. County would serve the people that they are contracted with and take care of them first. In conclusion, Mr. Dolloff stated that the people in the SFPD must receive the same safety level as the rest of Saratoga and also need to have the resources for one of the prime areas for a major fire disaster. Ed Ferrell stated that three years ago, Art Marshall, a firefighter with County Fire, performed a sales pitch, in which he presented reasons why County Fire would provide better fire protection for the Saratoga Fire District than the Saratoga Fire Department can. Mr. Ferrell pointed out that his arguments are now familiar - they have 14 firehouses, and provide 4 fire engines and 14 firefighters at every structure fire, and 4 and 14 more if a 2"a alarm is called. Mr. Ferrell stated that Mr. Mazshall contrasted this with Saratoga Fire's one firehouse, two engines, and 5-7 firefighters, depending upon the shift. These are compelling arguments, but they represent only one side of the story. Mr. Ferrell suggested that the City Council should hear the other side. Mr. Ferrell suggested that the Saratoga Fire Department should be invited to rebut Art Marshall's claims and promises, and present reasons why its service is actually better. Mr. Ferrell stated that the Sazatoga Fire Department's leaders have, from time to time, offered off-the-cuff responses. These include the suggestion that 14 firefighters is "overkill", and that "The Saratoga Fire Department is custom- designed to the unique needs of the Saratoga Fire District", whatever that means. I believe that the Fire Department can and should do better. They should present a reasoned, articulate, and detailed set of arguments, explaining why the fire district is in better hands with them then under County Fire. The City Council can encourage such an effort. Mr. Ferrell stated that the Saratoga Fire Department was up and running decades before County Fire. Saratoga Fire Protection District was built into its modern incarnation virtually from the ground up by Chief Kraule and the Fire Commissioners, who have devoted a lifetime to the protection of our homes, businesses, and lives. Mr. Ferrell stated that it would be appropriate for the City to express its gratitude for, and commend their outstanding public service. Mr. Ferrell stated that it is equally appropriate for these venerable men to accept this gratitude and commendation and also to acknowledge that the upstart County Fire is now more capable of delivering modern, comprehensive fire protection, and to facilitate a transition to County Fire. 11 Bob Egan, SFPD Commissioner, stated that they have given the City a copy of the information to clarify the original copy of the LAFCO Report that contained incorrect information. Mr. Egan pointed out that the SFPD has been evaluated many times by many different groups and they have always come out with flying colors. Mr. Egan pointed out that these evaluations have shown that the SFPD can provide the highest level of service for the community. Mr. Egan stated that they have developed the type of fire and life safety service just for this community with Early Warning system, ftre resistant roofing, ambulance service out of the fire station, central location for the new fire station, and a boundary drop program. Mr. Egan stated that the citizens of the Fire District are very pleased with the level of service that has been provided. Mr. Egan requested that the City leave the Fire District alone and leave the decisions of fire service delivery to the experts. Kevin Schott stated that he was a Saratoga resident and firefighter. Mr. Schott stated that the Boundary Drop Agreement, which was executed a few years ago, is a "band-aid on a large wound". Mr. Schott pointed out that the agreement has a sunset clause. Mr. Schott stated that if this Boundary Drop is lost one half of the City would continue to receive a high level of service while the other does not. Mr. Schott suggested that the Council tell LAFCO what the City of Saratoga needs as a whole. Not half the City, but the entire City. Jay Geddes, SFPD Commissioner, stated that the boundary drop agreement is working very well. The SFPD is responding into the County' area about the same time they are responding into ours. About 90% of the time the extra engines are cancelled before they arrive to the area. Mr. Geddes suggested that if the City wants to evaluate the cost issues, SFPD costs are substantially below the County's on a per man basis. Mr. Geddes stated that this means is the Saratoga Station would be staffed with fewer people if the County assumed control over it. Councilmember Kline noted that the LAFCO report has raised some issues that have been around for a long time. The level of service for the District is going up. Councilmember Kline stated that the question is whether or not they are capable to fulfill the service level without the Boundary Drop. Councilmember Kline pointed out that the City should avoid becoming the "Applicant" due the expense and the fact that this should not be the City Council's decision. The residents of the two districts should make the decision. Councilmember Kline suggested an advisory ballot for the November 2004 election. Councilmember Streit stated that if you look at the options the underlining message is that the City of Saratoga needs one fire district. Councilmember Streit stated that the City should start the process to get a uniformed cost effective single fire district to serve the City. Councilmember Bogosian stated that tonight the Council should limit their comments and focus on the subcommittee recommendations. Councilmember Bogosian stated that the Council should not take a position on any of the options presented in the LAFCO report until we have sufficient facts and related costs. 12 Vice Mayor King stated that she is concerned that the Boundary Drop Agreement will not work past 2006. Mayor Waltonsmith stated that the Council should ask LAFCO to explain the process for each option presented in the report. Councilmember Bogosian stated that he could support a letter asking for procedures but not prepared tonight to suggest one option over another. Councilmember Kline stated that the letter should make it clear that the Council desires a consistent level of service across the city. Consensus of the City Council to recommend the following to LAFCO: 1) Property owners within the Saratoga Fire Protection District boundaries pay an additional assessment to finance the bond issued to construct the new fire station. This tax rate should be added to the Tax Rate Table on page 112. 2) The City Council recommends that an additional option be added on page 113. Option (5) Saratoga Fire protection District contract with Santa Clara County Central Fire Protection District for service. 3) Expressed concern with Option (1) on page 113 that if the District was absorbed into Central Fire, ownership of the fire station be retained by the City of Saratoga or that an agreement be signed stipulation that the building be used as a fire station in perpetuity or would revert to the City if the use of the building was to change. 4) The City Council would also like to urge LAFCO to address comparisons between the two districts regarding hillside fire capabilities. 5) Without a permanent long-term boundary drop agreement the city of Saratoga desires a single agency providing fire protection within the City of Saratoga. GRANT WRITER SERVICE PROVIDER REPORT STAFF RECOMMENDATION: Accept report and direct staff accordingly Cary Bloomquist, Administrative Analysis, presented staff report. Analyst Bloomquist stated that at the June 6, 2001 Council meeting, staff presented a report regarding professional Grant Writing Services for the City and also how other Cities in the area apply for grants. At that time Council directed staff to send out a Request for Proposal (RFP). On September 5, 2001 Council selected National Grant Services to perform grant writing services for the City. 13 Analyst Bloomquist noted that recently, Council directed staff to further research options in an attempt to locate a more proactive Grant writer with grater initiative, who would aggressively research grant opportunities for the City. Analyst Bloomquist noted that the list of providers remain the same from the list provided in 2001 with one additional provider. Analyst Bloomquist noted that a second option would be to create a staff position (contract or regular) to perform these services. In conclusion, Analyst Bloomquist stated that if Council desires, staff could send out a RFP to seek out the services of a professional grant writer or explore other options. Councilmember King stated that she requested this item be brought to Council because she feels that the City isn't getting the opportunities that we potentially could for grants. Consensuses of the City Council to direct staff to prepare a RFP for grant writing service. NEW BUSINESS 8. BUDGET ALTERNATIVES IN RESPONSE TO FUNDING REDUCTIONS PROPOSED BY THE STATE STAFF RECOMMENDATION: Accept report and direct staff accordingly. Jesse Baloca, Administrative Services Director, presented staff report. Director Baloca briefly explained the background of the VLF and the current situation with the new Governor's actions. Director Baloca explained the fiscal impacts effects on the City and explained budget scenarios depending on the effects of the State's budget and loss of VLF revenue. Mayor Waltonsmith thanked Director Baloca for his report. 9. PARHING STUDY FOR SARATOGA PUBLIC LIBRARY STAFF RECOMMENDATION: Accept report and direct staff accordingly. Morgan Kessler, Civic Engineer, presented staff report. 14 Engineer Kessler stated that per Council's request, the City Traffic Engineer conducted a parking occupancy survey at the Saratoga Library. The purpose of the study was to determine the number of parking spaces that would be available during peak hours, and accordingly the number of people that could be accommodated at the Library's Community Meeting Room during peak hours of use. Engineer Kessler explained that the surveys were conducted on a Sunday afternoon and a Monday afternoon. Based on the data obtained, it was found that the parking lot would be able to accommodate during peak hours an additiona165 to 70 people in the Community Room on Sundays, and 60 additional people on Mondays. Engineer Kessler noted that after 7:00 p.m. on Mondays, the Fire Code would likely limit the number of occupants in the room. City Attorney Taylor reminded the City Council that the City owns the building and the Library is responsibility to look at how the parking lot is used. The lease makes it clear that the City is the landlord and the Library staff's responsibility to manage the services. Consensus of the City Council to direct staff to send a copy of the study to the Saratoga Library Director. AGENCY/COMMISISON ASSIGNMENTS None CITY COUNCIL ITEMS Councilmember Bogosian requested a response back in regards to the alleged code violation on the garage band. City Manager Anderson stated that he would report back to Council. OTHER None CITY MANAGER'S REPORT None ADJOURNMENT There being no further business, Mayor Waltonsmith noted that this meeting was being adjourned to Closed Session at 10:30 p.m. in memory of Kaitlyn Langstaff. Mayor Waltonsmith adjourned Closed Session at 11:05 P.M. submitted, City Clerk 15