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HomeMy WebLinkAbout01-22-2002 Adjourned City Counicl MinutesMINUTES SARATOGA CITY COUNCIL ADJOURNED MEETING JOINT SESSION HERI7CAGE PRESERVATION COMMISSION PLANNING COMMISSION JANUARY 22, 2002 The City Council of the City of Saratoga met in a scheduled Adjourned City Council Meeting on January 22, 2002 at the Adult Caze Center, 19655 Allendale Avenue. Mayor Streit called the Adjourned City Council meeting to order at 7:00 p.m. and requested Dave Anderson, City Manager, to lead the Pledge of Allegiance. ROLL CALL PRESENT: Councilmembers John Mehaffey (arrived after roll call was taken), Ann Waltonsmith, Vice Mayor Evan Baker, Mayor Nick Streit ABSENT: Councilmember Stan Bogosian ALSO Dave Anderson, City Manager PRESENT: Lori Tinfow, Assistant City Manager Cathleen Boyer, City Clerk Tom Sullivan, Director of Community Development John Livingstone, Associate Planner/HPC Liaison John Cherbone, Public Works Director Cazy Bloomquist, Administrative Analyst REPORT OF CITY CLERK ON POSTING OF AGENDA FOR JANUARY 22, 2002 Cathleen Boyer, City Clerk, reported that pursuant to Government Code Section 54954.2, the agenda for the meeting of January 22, 2002 was properly posted on Januazy 18, 2002. COMMUNICATIONS FROM PUBLIC The following person spoke at tonight's meeting: Kevin Schott, 19036 Saratoga Glen Place, noted that the F.A.C.T. Committee still supports the unification of the fire districts. Mr. Schott reported that the Saratoga Fire District is using the ladder truck storage issue as a reason to back out of the Boundary Drop Agreement. Mr. Schott noted that any control the City thought they had over the Sazatoga Fire District is now in the hands of a judge. On behalf of the F.A.C.T. Committee Mr. Schott requested that the City Council participate with them in the LAFCO process. COUNCH, DIl2ECTION TO STAFF None JOINT MEETING WITH PLANNING COMNIISSION Mayor Streit welcomed the Planning Commission. INTRODUCTION Tom Sullivan, Community Development Director introduced the following Planning Commissioners: Chair Cynthia Barry, Mike Gazakani, Erna Jackman, Lisa Kurasch, George Roupe. Director Sullivan noted that Commissioners Jill Hunter and Ruchi Zutshi were unable to attend tonight's meeting. 2. HOUSING ELEMENT STATUS REPORT Director Sullivan noted that he would like to brief the Council on the status of the final issues of the Housing Element. Director Sullivan noted that after the City Council meeting on December 5, 2001 staff was directed to identify parcels that could be identified as mixed-use projects as requested by the state. Staff has Identified several azeas in commercial zones that could be converted to mixed-use projects. Director Sullivan briefly cited the following areas that staff has identified as possible mixed use areas: • East side of Saratoga-Sunnyvale • West side ofSazatoga-Sunnyvale • West of Sazatoga - South of Prospect • Cox -East of Saratoga Avenue • Blauer near Sazatoga-Sunnyvale • South of Cox -West of Sazatoga Director Sullivan noted that the Regional Housing Needs Determination is requiring the City of Saratoga to have 539 affordable housing units. 415 of those units have been accounted for, leaving 124 units that need to be planned for in the next five yeazs. Due to the fact that Villa Montalvo does not use income as part of their selection criteria, the ten artist studios that were listed in the Housing Element as low income had to be moved to above moderate housing. Vice Mayor Baker noted that the City should protest that change. Councilmember Waltonsmith noted that ten years ago the City Council tried an amnesty program. It did not work; not many people were interested because of the possibility of increased property taxes. Director Sullivan responded that only new additions are taxed. The original house is not reassessed. City Council Meeting 2 January 22, 2002 In regazds to secondazy units, Director Sullivan noted that the ordinance the City currently has is very onerous. Director Sullivan noted that after staff re-examined the potential sites, came up with the following options: • Option 1 -Identify as many potential sites for mixed use projects as possible • Option 2 -Identify one piece of property for amixed-use project that contains 42 apartment units of which 16 would have to be below market rate • Option 3 -Identify potential sites for mixed-use projects in the Gateway Area • Option 4 -Identify five contiguous pieces of property on the East Side of Sazatoga- Sunnyvale Road that aze most likely to convert in the next 5 years Director Sullivan noted that he recently had discussions with Mr. who was very open for a mixed-use development. Unfortunately, the property is zoned for office, so the City might want to only look into a zone change. Vice Mayor Baker pointed out that not one single property was identified South of Highway 85, and stated that none of the parcels identified were within the Sazatoga School District. Vice Mayor Baker noted that he finds this hard to believe that not one single property within the Saratoga School District and North of Highway 85, would qualify for a mixed-use project. Director Sullivan responded that the only commercial area he left out of the mix, was the Village. Vice Mayor Baker pointed out that the Neale's Hollow, the Village, and all of the other properties adjacent to the Village, were all left out. Director Sullivan noted that staff could revisit the Village but cannot revisit property for the purpose of mixed use areas that are general planned for residential, due to Measure G. Director Sullivan added that the parcels zoned CH-1 and CH-2 that make up the Village could be included, but there are not many opportunities when the City has the desire to save existing structures. Director Sullivan referred to the draft "Mixed Use Standards" handout he provided in the packet. Director Sullivan briefly explained some of the proposed standards. Mayor Streit noted that perhaps the Mixed Use Standards could be used as an incentive to get property owners to redevelop. Mayor Streit suggested that property owners, in all possible areas, be asked if they would be interested in mixed-use projects. Mayor Streit noted that perhaps using this approach the City might get enough property owners willing to participate in mixed-use projects, that the City might avoid upsetting several other property owners. City Council Meeting 3 Januazy 22, 2002 Councilmember Mehaffey noted that he thinks resistance would not come from the landowners, but from the property owners that abut against property lines of parcels that may be identified as a mixed-use project. Commissioner Jackman asked if there were any assistant programs to help fund the projects for low-income housing. Director Sullivan noted that Community Development Block Grants (CDBG) could be utilized, and other funding sources are available. City Manager Anderson added that the City recently contributed to the Housing Trust Fund. Councilmember Waltonsmith noted that the City is not picking the places that must have low-cost housing. Councilmember Waltonsmith noted that the City should look at the Housing Element as an exercise and question what is it going to do to the Sazatoga constituency. Councilmember Waltonsmith noted that she supports spreading out the numbers throughout the entire city. Director Sullivan responded that this was an exercise to get the Housing Element approved. Commissioner Kurasch commented that she agreed with Vice Mayor Baker to include the Village. Commissioner Kurasch noted that there are several under utilized areas in the Village and noted that other cities are converting parking lots into mixed use projects on the upper levels and underground pazking. Commissioner Jackman suggested the City come up with a plan to approach builders and offer funds if they would be willing to build low-income housing. Commissioner Roupe noted that he supports Option 1, but wonders if the state would think it is too broad. Director Sullivan noted that the state reviewer might ask the City to narrow the list down, but if the City could support the property identified, the state might accept Option 1. Chair Barry stated that it is the City's job to look at the zoning requirements that would permit low cost housing, but not to guarantee that they would get built. Chair Batry noted that the way she has looked at the Housing Element was how could it best serve the serve the residents and the needs of the city. Councilmember Waltonsmith noted that identifying several properties in the City of Sazatoga instead of pinpointing a few, is the better way to go. Vice Mayor Baker strongly stated that he disagrees with Chair Barry. Vice Mayor Baker stated that all of the material he has read on this issue, in the last ninety days, cleazly indicates that in the next ten yeazs, the state will dictate the cities do whatever is required to build the identified units in cities Housing Elements. City Council Meeting !1 January 22, 2002 Commissioner Roupe noted that the City's primary objective is to get the Housing Element approved; putting the least amount of constraints on the City, and worry about the consequences in the future. Vice Mayor Baker noted that the City should sepazate what we are trying do and what the state has already done. Councilmember Baker noted that the City should inform the citizens of Saratoga what the state has done, so the City is not to blame. Vice Mayor Baker stated that every city in the state of California will have ahigh-density azea for low cost housing, no matter what. Norman Kopernik, PO Box 2308, referred to a chart in the draft Housing Element that shows new secondary units. Mr. Kopernik suggested that the squaze footage of a secondary unit be in addition to the main house. Director Sullivan responded that the City's code regarding secondary units is uncleaz. Councilmember Mehaffey directed staff to be very cleaz in the notice that will be sent out to property owners, that the City is not tazgeting them, but identifying properties that aze most likely to change in the next five years. Councilmember Waltonsmith noted that the new Measure G is coming to an end in March, and her feaz is that property owners in the Village might approach the city requesting to build above-market rate housing. Councilmember Waltonsmith noted that the City could not prevent property owners from building, because there are no sites in the Village identified in the Housing Element as low-income housing. Director Sullivan concurred with Councilmember Waltonsmith and suggested that the Council adopt an interim ordinance and implement design standazds until the City develops anew ordinance. Mayor Mehaffey noted that before Measure G expires, the City Council should agendize it for discussion. Director Sullivan reviewed staff direction as follows: • Add Neale's Hallow and the Village • Notice all property owners that will be identified on the Housing Element map and and surrounding residents azound an identified parcel. 3. LAND USE ELEMENT UPDATE ISSUES Director Sullivan showed the Council a Land Use Element map and pointed out the commercial properties and quasi-public properties. Director Sullivan stated that 98% of the city, as faz as land use planning, planning has already been accomplished. Director Sullivan explained that the City's efforts will be to clean up the language of the narrative part of the old land use element, clearly state the policies that deal with 98% of the city, and focus our efforts on the other 2%. City Council Meeting rj January 22, 2002 Director Sullivan explained that after staff and the Planning Commission draft a Land Use Element, he hopes to bring to Council for approval a clear, easy to understand Land Use Element. Director Sullivan added that after the Land Use Element is revised, he hopes to revise the Zoning Map so it is consistent with the General Plan. Vice Mayor Baker asked what zoning designations schools have. Director Sullivan responded that they aze general planned as school property, but also have a vaziety of residential zoning. Vice Mayor Baker noted that the City should change the zoning so that if a school district wanted to sell the property, they cannot sell it for anything other than a school. Vice Mayor Baker noted that the City has lost too many schools in the past, to houses. Commissioner Roupe asked what the remaining 2% was on the Land Use Element map. Director Sullivan responded that remaining 2% was designated commercial. Commissioner Kurasch asked if the proposed single story overlay would affect the Land Use Element. Director Sullivan noted the proposed overlay would be n amendment to the Zoning Ordinance. Councilmember Waltonsmith referred to the Union Pacific Railroad Trail that she and Analyst Bloomquist have been working on. Councilmember Waltonsmith asked how to prevent developers from building on the land if the Railroad ever decides to sell it. Director Sullivan noted that the land should have been adopted as part of the Circulation Element, which in turn would be designated in the Land User Element. Mayor Streit thanked the Planning Commission for attending tonight's meeting. Mayor Streit declazed a recess at 8:15 p.m. Mayor Streit reconvened the meeting at 8:20 p.m. JOINT MEETING WITH HERITAGE PRESERVATION COMMISSION 1. John Livingstone, Associate Planner/Staff Liaison HPC, introduced the following Heritage Preservation Commissioners: Dora Grens, Chair Norman Koepernik, Willys Peck, and Robert Peepari. Planner Livingstone noted that Commissioners Phylis Ballingall and Carolyn King were unable to attend tonight's meeting. City Council Meeting 6 January 22, 2002 2. GENERAL OVERVIEW OF THE COMMISSION Chair Koepernik explained the current projects that the Heritage Preservation Commission were working on: • Heritage Calendaz • Austin Way- Heritage Lane designation • Heritage Orchard signage • Heritage Orchard kiosk • Mustard Walk on February 10, 2002 Chair Koepernik explained the following future projects: • Continue heritage house tours • Re-establishing the Blossom Festival Chair Koepernik explained the following continuing projects: • Heritage Orchard educational programs • Continue to identify heritage houses Councilmember Waltonsmith asked if the HPC reproduced or updated the inventory book. Planner Livingstone responded that staff was able to reproduce the book in house, and the book is available to the public. Vice Mayor Baker suggested that the HPC contact Carolyn de los Santos, Executive Director of KSAR, and see if the HPC could collaborate with her to air historical videos on Saratoga. Commissioner Peck noted that the Saratoga Historical Foundation is currently working with Ms. de los Santos on a video of historical facts of Saratoga. Councilmember Waltonsmith asked if the upcoming "Mustard Walk" would be videotaped. Planner Livingstone responded that the Economic Development Coordinator would be taping various aspects of the event. Mayor Streit noted that he is looking forward to the Heritage Orchard educational programs. 3. DISCUSSION ON THE CURRENT HEIGHT LIMIT OF 26 FEET FOR RESIDENTIAL STRUCTURES Chair Koepernik noted that at the last Joint Meeting with the City Council and the Heritage Preservation Commission, a discussion took place regarding the possibility of changing the height limitation of 26 feet for residential structures. City Council Meeting "J January 22, 2002 Chair Koepernik suggested that the increase in height should not be limited to just historic structures, but also for any structure. Chair Koepernik noted that there are isolated cases where you could go over the 26 feet. Chair Koepernik noted that he believes the City would see better architecture. Vice Mayor Baker asked if the rest of the Commission agreed with his suggestion. Chair Koepernik responded that the HPC agrees that the height limitation should be removed from historic houses. Mayor Streit commented that the Planning Commission already waives the height limitation with the use of variances. Mayor Streit noted that if there is a consensus amongst the Commission, guidelines should be drafted and presented to the Planning Commission. Mayor Streit suggested that the HPC agendize this issue for a future HPC meeting, and come back to Council with the Commission's recommendation. Mayor Streit thanked the IIPC for coming to tonight's meeting. CONSENT CALENDAR 3A. APPROVE COUNCIL MEETING MINUTES ADJOURNED MEETING -JANUARY 8, 2002 STAFF RECOMMENDATION: Approve meeting minutes. WALTONSMITH/MEHAFFEY MOVED TO APPROVE THE MEETING MINUTES OF JANUARY 8, 2002. MOTION 4-0 WITH BOGOSIAN ABSENT. NEW BUSINESS 4. ADOPT RESOLUTION IN SUPPORT OF THE ROBERTI-Z'BERGHARRIS URBANIZED AREA NEEDS-BASIS GRANT APPLICATION FOR THE AZULE PARK IMPROVEMENT PROJECT STAFF RECOMMENDATION: Adopt resolution. TITLE OF RESOLUTION: 02-005 A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL APPROVING THE APPLICATION FOR GRANT FUNDS FOR THE ROBERTI-Z'BERGHARRIS URBAN OPEN SPACE AND RECREATION PROGRAM UNDER THE SAFE NEIGHBORHOOD PARKS, CLEAN WATER, CLEAN AII2, AND COASTAL PROTECTION BOND ACT OF 2000 Cary Bloomquist, Administrative Analyst, presented staff report. City Council Meeting $ January 22, 2002 Analyst Bloomquist explained that Staff filed an application for the Roberti-Z'Berg-Harris Urbanized Area Competitive Grant on November 1, 2001. The grant is offered through the State of California Department of Pazks and Recreation and is directly connected to the passage of the Safe Neighborhood Parks, Clean Water, Clean Air, and Coastal. Protection Bond Act of 2000. This particular grant requires a local match of 30% from non-state monies. Analyst Bloomquist noted that the City applied for the maximum grant amount allowable, $250,000, with a local match amount of $107,143. As part of the 5-year Capital Improvement Budget, Council approved $880,000 for the Azule Pazk Project. If the grant application is approved, the $107,143 local match will come from this budget. Analyst Bloomquist stated that the attached resolution in support of the grant application is due February 1, 2002. Staff is requesting Council adopt this resolution in order to complete the grant application process. Councilmember Waltonsmith asked if staff used the City's contracted grant writer. Analyst Bloomquist responded he completed the grant application himself. WALTONSMITH/MEHAFFEY MOVED TO ADOPT RESOLUTION SUPPORTING THE GRANT APPLICATION FOR THE ROBERT-Z'BERGHARRIS URBAN OPEN SPACE AND RECREATION PROGRAM. MOTION PASSED 4-0 WITH BOGOSIAN ABSENT. CONGRESS SPRINGS GRAND OPENING STAFF RECOMMENDATION: Set date. Consensus of the City Council to set the date for the grand opening ceremony for Congress Springs Park for February 9, 2002 in conjunction with the opening day of the Saratoga Little League. Council's direction to staff was to inform the Pazks and Recreation Commission of the date and contact Saratoga Little League. 6. DISCUSSION NTMP/STCP STAFF RECOMMENDATION: Informational only. Lori Tinfow, Assistant City Manager, presented staff report. Assistant City Manager Tinfow stated in prepazation for the joint study session with school officials on February 12, 2002 copies of both the Neighborhood Traffic Management Program and the School Traffic Calming Program were attached to Council's staff reports. Assistant Manager Tinfow noted that she was available to answer any questions. City Council Meeting 9 January 22, 2002 Mayor Streit stated that it is important that the Council familiarize themselves with the two programs, because they are the main topics for the joint meeting on February 12, 2002. Mayor Streit noted that if the Council had any questions prior to the joint meeting to contact Assistant City Manager Tinfow or Public Safety Commissioner Bridgett Ballingall. Assistant City Manager Tinfow commented that she would be holding the first NTMP on Thursday, January 24, 2002 with the Village Green neighborhood. APPOINTMENT OF MAYOR NICK STREIT AS THE 3RD ALTERNATE ON THE SOLID WASTE JOINT POWERS ASSOCIATION. STAFF RECOMMENDATION: Approve appointment. Mayor Streit noted that due to conflicting schedules, the Councilmembers assigned to represent the City at the JPA meeting on January 30, 2002, are not able to attend. Mayor Streit noted that he is available to attend the meeting. WALTONSMITI-I/MEHAFFEY MOVED TO APPOINT MAYOR NICK STREIT AS 3~ ALTERNATE TO THE SOLID WASTE JOINT POWERS ASSOCIATION. MOTION PASSED 4-0 WITH BOGOSIAN ABSENT. CITY COUNCIL ITEMS Councilmember Waltonsmith requested an update on the meeting concerning the Norton Road fire access road. Vice Mayor Baker responded that Councilmember Bogosian walked the fire road leading up above the City road across the undeveloped property that would connect the artist studios that would feed into the already existing road at Villa Montalvo. Vice Mayor Baker reported that Councilmember Bogosian also walked down the canyon, known as Wild Cat Road, that Villa Montalvo has requested that the City assist them in establishing it so it would connect the artist residences down the canyon to the bottom, making it a third egress/ingress road. Vice Mayor Baker noted that Councilmember Bogosian reported that it is feasible to build a fire escape road on upper Norton Road that would connect into the roadway to the artist residences, but developing Wild Cat Road is out of the question. Councilmember Waltonsmith requested that a complete cost summary of the Congress Springs Park Renovation Project be given to the City Council. OTHER None City Council Meeting 1 Q January 22, 2002 CITY MANAGER'S REPORT City Manager Anderson noted that Mike Evanhoe from VTA would be attending the next West Valley Mayor/Manager meeting to discuss the noise mitigation efforts on Highway 85. ADJOURNMENT There being no further business, the Mayor declared the meeting adjourned at 9:00 p.m. sp ctfully submitted, ,~ _ ~ at e" Boyer, CMC City Clerk CiTy Council Meeting 1 1 January 22, 2002