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HomeMy WebLinkAbout02-12-2002 Adjourned City Council MinutesMIlViJTES Saratoga City Council Adjourned Meeting/Joint Session Saratoga City Council Public Safety Commission Saratoga, Cupertino & Campbell Union School District St. Andrew's, Sacred Heart Los Gatos-Saratoga High School District FEBRUARY Y 12, 2002 The City Council of the City of Sazatoga met in a scheduled Adjourned City Council Meeting on February 12, 2002 at the Adult Care Center, 19655 Allendale Avenue. Mayor Streit called the Adiourned City Council meeting to order at 7:00 a.m. and requested Cathleen Boyer, City Clerk, to lead the Pledge of Allegiance. ROLL CALL PRESENT: Councilmembers Stan Bogosian, Ann Waltonsmith, Vice Mayor Evan Baker, Mayor Nick Streit ABSENT: Councilmember John Mehaffey ALSO Dave Anderson, City Manager PRESENT: Lori Tinfow, Assistant City Manager Cathleen Boyer, City Clerk REPORT OF CITY CLERK ON POSTING OF AGENDA FOR FEBRUARY 12, 2002 Cathleen Boyer, City Clerk, reported that pursuant to Government Code Section 54954.2, the agenda for the meeting of February 12, 2002 was properly posted on February 8, 2002. COMMUNICATIONS FROM PUBLIC No one requested to speak at tonight's meeting. COUNCIL DIRECTION TO STAFF None JOINT MEETING W ITH PUBLIC SAFETY COMMISSION AND SCHOOL DISTRICTS Mayor Streit noted that the purpose of this meeting was to hear how the various schools have been working with Commissioner Ballingall to implement the Neighborhood Traffic Management Program (NTMP), Safe Ride to School Program and the School Traffic Calming Program. 1. INTRODUCTION Bridgett Ballingall, Public Safety Commissioner, explained the purpose ofthe School Task Force and noted all of the schools in Sazatoga aze represented. Commissioner Ballingall introduced the following representatives from the vazious school districts that serve the City of Saratoga: Harry McKay -Saint Andrew's Marybarbaza Zorio -Saratoga School Dr. Malcolm Brodrick -West Valley College Jane Daigle -Sacred Heazt School Tina Johnson -Argonaut School Tom Mazantette -Foothill School Kevin Skelly -Principal, Saratoga High School Brain Zobel -Vice Principal, Redwood Middle School Commissioner Ballingall noted that the Task Force was formed about a yeaz ago. The first half of the year, the Task Force identified common problems and came up with some short term solution for some of the more dramatic problems and the second part of the year the Task Force discussed how to go forwazd and tackle some of the common problems. Commissioner Ballingall noted that the Task Force wrote a School Traffic Calming Program. Commissioner Ballingall explained that in the beginning, the Task Force met once a month, but she hopes in that the future the Task Force would meet every two months and use peoples time more effectively by meeting at the different school sites. Commissioner Ballingall noted that the various school; representatives would like to inform the Council what their schools is doing to calm traffic and offer their suggestions on what the City can do to help. Harry McKay, St. Andrew's, thanked Commissioner Ballingall and the Public Safety Commission for all of their work and for forming the Task Force. Mr. McKay noted that St. Andrew's is forming a traffic committee. Mr. McKay noted that one possible solution is to stagger the start times of the various schools. Jane Daigle, Sacred Heart School, noted that she feels the biggest issue is to look at the start and ending times of the schools. Ms. Daigle noted that only a few students at Sacred Heart walk to school because of the unsafe conditions of Saratoga Avenue. Ms. Daigle noted the Safe Routes to School program should help. Ms. Daigle noted that she looks forward to continuing working with the Task Force Vice Mayor Baker noted that he is concerned about the conditions on Saratoga Avenue and asked if she thought different traffic light control would help. Ms. Daigle responded that the crosswalk at Sazatoga Avenue and Fruitvale Avenue is the only safe place to cross. Mr. McKay noted that the lack of sidewalks also contribute to unsafe conditions on Saratoga Avenue. City Council Meeting 2 February 12, 2002 Mary Barbara Zorio, Saratoga School, explained that Sazatoga School has finished all of the renovations. Ms. Zoruio noted that last summer Commissioner Ballingall met with a group of parents and the School Site Council and suggested that they work with the City's Traffic Engineer, Jim Jeffries. Ms. Zorio explained that Mr. Jeffries helped them with crosswalks and walking paths. Ms. Zorio stated that the crosswalks and paths have helped tremendously. Ms. Zorio noted that their main problem is Highway 9. Ms. Zorio suggested that the City install a light at that intersection. Mayor Streit responded that along with the proposed Public Safety Center, on the corner of Sazatoga Avenue and Highway 9, a traffic study would be done to look at that azea. Councilmember Bogosian noted that, as a neighbor of Sazatoga School, he has noticed a tremendous improvement. Councilmember Bogosian noted that there is inadequate space for cars to pass on Oak Street. Brian Zobel, Redwood Middle School, explained that he has been working to educate the parents, closed the left turn lane from the pazking lot, increased signage on school property, and placed cross guazds at Allendale and Fruitvale. Mr. Zobel noted that he agrees that the lack of side is a problem. Mr. Zobel noted that they were still investigating other solutions such as utilizing their lower black top azea for a drop off and pick off area. Councilmember Waltonsmith asked if the parents were notified not to pazk and cut through the City's pazking lot. Mr. Zobel responded that they put out several letters to the pazents. Kevin Skelly, Sazatoga High School, explained the steps taken to address traffic issues at and azound the school: • Only allow junior and seniors to park on campus and leave during lunch. • Accelerate the construction of the West pazking lot so we have enough pazking. • Open basketball courts for parking after re-stripping. • New pathways along Herriman Avenue -working with Director Cherbone to install. • Added extra set of classroom books for students do not have such heavy backpacks and are therefore more likely to walk or ride their bikes. • Used Principal's newsletter to promote carpooling. Councilmember Bogosian noted that he has seen some improvement of the drivers of the high school community. Tom Mazantette, Foothill School, noted that Foothill is in the middle of construction. Mr. Mazantette noted that when the construction is done there should be a better flow of traffic in the back and front drop off areas. Mr. Mazantette noted that a lack of sidewalks on Reed Avenue forces the students to walk in the street. Tina Johnson, Argonaut School, noted that Argonaut is working on the drop off azeas and utilizing student crossing guards. Ms. Johnson noted one problem they have is that pazents use Charter Drive as a drop off azea; unfortunately, it is anon-authorized drop off area. City Council Meeting 3 February 12, 2002 Malcolm Brodrick, West Valley College, noted that the next September they would be going to a sixteen-week semester, the first class would be starting at 7:30 a.m. Mr. Brodrick noted that he fully supports the City's programs, but stated a lot of the issues do not apply to the College. Councilmember Waltonsmith asked ifthe bus system is utilized. Mr. Brodricjk noted that the College encourages the use of public transportation to the students and to the teachers by using ALTRANS. Councilmember Waltonsmith noted that she is proud of the effort from the vazious schools to mitigate the traffic problems. Mayor Streit noted that traffic is a priority to this Council and noted that they are committed to working with the schools to try and solve some of the issues. Vice Mayor Baker responded that construction of sidewalks probably would not be supported by the neighborhoods. Although he would support sidewalks on the main arterial streets. Vice Mayor Baker noted that some residents believe that curbs and sidewalks take away from the "rural" feeling. Commissioner Ballingall noted that a few strategically constructed sidewalks throughout the City might help reduce the number of cars on the streets. Vice Mayor Baker noted that perhaps the Public Safety Commission could look at the entire City and present to the Council their recommendations for sidewalks. Mayor Streit thanked Commissioner Ballingall and the representatives from the various schools for attending tonight's meeting. Mayor Streit declared a recess at 7:45 p.m. Mayor Streit reconvened the meeting at 8:00 p.m. Z. ADOPT RESOLUTION OPPOSING MEASURE E STAFF RECOMMENDATION: Adopt resolution. TITLE OF RESOLUTION: 02-010 RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OPPOSING MEASURE E - A BOND MEASURE PROPOSED BY THE WEST VALLEY-MISSION COMMUNITY COLLEGE DISTRICT Dave Anderson, City Manager, presented staff report. City Council Meeting Q February 12, 2002 City Manager Anderson explained that at the City Council meeting of January 16, 2002 a member of the public requested that the City take a position on the West Valley- Mission Community College District Bond Measure ("Measure E") that will be considered by the voters at the Mazch 5, 2002 election. Staff to obtain information on Measure E and presented that information to the City Council at its meeting of February 6, 2002. The Council also accepted public testimony from supporters and opponents of the Measure at that meeting. Following public testimony Council members expressed concern with the Measure and staffwas directed to prepaze a resolution in opposition to the Measure for consideration at the next City Council meeting. BAKER/WALTONSMITH MOVED TO ADOPT RESOLUTION OPPOSING MEASURE E - A BOND MEASURE PROPOSED BY THE WEST VALLEY- MISSION COMMUNITY COLLEGE DISTRICT. MOTION PASSED 3-0-1-1 WITH MEHAFFEY ABSENT AND BOGOSIAN ABSTAINING. 4. SARATOGA CHAIVIBER OF COMMERCE STAFF RECOMMENDATION: Accept report and direct staff accordingly. Lorie Tinfow, Assistant City Manager, presented staff report. Assistant City Manager Tinfow explained that on February 6, 2002 two Councilmembers requested staff to investigate the City's financial relationship with the Chamber of Commerce, the building lease, and the annual financial support and report back to Council. Assistant City Manager Tinfow explained that the Council has been supporting the Chamber of Commerce since 1968. In 1973, City was given the James McWilliams house. In March 1976, the City entered into an agreement that permitted the Chamber to use the house for payment of $1 per yeaz. Over the years, the Chamber has also received funding from the City ranging from $3000 - $7000. Assistant City Manager Tinfow stated that in Spring 2000 the Chamber requested their cash allotment be increased to $10,000 per yeaz to reflect the wide range of services they provide to others beyond their membership. The request for increased funding was no incorporated onto the 2000-02 budget. The City Council did not approve an agreement, therefore, the Chamber has been operating without an agreement for the past 19 months. Assistant City Manager Tinfow noted that the City has made three payments of $836.26 to the Chamber in FY 2000/01. Assistant City Manager Tinfow stated that she performed a survey of the City/Chamber support in neazby cities and briefly explained the results. City Council Meeling rj February 12, 2002 Assistant City Manager Tinfow noted that the City Council could take the following actions: • Alternative 1 -maker no changes to financial support at this time but take the Chamber's behavior, and the relationship between the Chamber and the City into consideration for next yeaz's budget process. • Alternative 2 -Continue in-kind support only; withdraw cash funding. • Alternative 3 -Direct staff to reestablish agreement negotiations with the Chamber and bring revised agreement between the City and the Chamber back to Council by a set date; if no agreement is reached by set date, withdraw all financial support. • Alternative 4 -Withdraw all City financial support fro the Chamber including termination of the license agreement, withdraw for cash subsidy, and withdraw of in-kind support for Celebrate Saratoga. Councilmember Bogosian asked if when the survey was done did each City provide a list of what services their Chambers provide. Assistant Cit y Manager Tinfow responded no, but most Chambers' provide relocation information, visitor information, business referrals, directory publications, and community events. Councilmember Bogosian asked if the City has ever received the $1.00 rent from the Chamber. Assistant City Manager Tinfow noted that she would look into that. Councilmember Waltonsmith noted that she counted 311 members in the Chamber's directory and out of that number l l lthat were the following categories: • 94 non Saratoga address • 16 associations and clubs • 15 individual • 9 churches • 7 schools • 4 miscellaneous Councilmember Waltonsmith stated that this means there are only 160 Sazatoga businesses that the Chamber supports. Councilmember Waltonsmith stated that in the year 2000 when the Chamber requested more money she did a survey of nearby City/Chamber relationships. Councilmember Waltonsmith noted that the City of Palo Alto does not give their Chamber any money. The Town of Los Gatos cut off all ties to their Chamber for many yeazs until a workable agreement was reached; now they have a 23-page agreement. City Council Meeting 6 February 12, 2002 David Hernandez, 5628 Pazk Crest Drive, noted that he is a former graduate of Saratoga High School and the recent President of the Chamber of Commerce. Mr. Hernandez stated that the Boazd was very surprised at the actions of the City Council and want to know why. Mr. Hernandez described all of the events and services that the Chamber provides to the City and to the residents to promote and improve the business community in Saratoga. Councilmember Waltonsmith asked Mr. Hernandez if the Chamber's Board take polls of their members when they a political stand. Mr. Hernandez responded that he did not know. Councilmember Bogosian asked in five years how many Saratoga businesses have joined the Chamber. Mr. Hernandez said he did not know and would refer the question the Executive Director. Pat Andresen, 19952 Garnett, noted that she was a President of the Chamber of Commerce. Mrs. Andresen noted that the Chamber of Commerce is a very important part of the community. Mrs. Andresen noted that when she had her own business non- Saratoga residents and businesses were an asset to promote their business. Michael Fox, 14000 June Way, noted that he is the Chair Elect of the San Jose/Silicon Valley Chamber of Commerce. Mr. Fox noted the actions of this Council in attempt to cancel contract, terminate the Chamber's lease, and cancel fixture support of Celebrate Saratoga, and to agendize that action immediately following the Chamber's endorsement to a ballot measure opposed by the Council is very disturbing. Mr. Fox stated that on behalf of the San Jose/Silicon Valley Chamber of Commerce they are ready to do the following for the Sazatoga Chamber of Commerce: • Find a home for the Saratoga Chamber to communicate with it's members • Provide administrative support • Provide support for Celebrate Saratoga • Send a message to all Chambers in Santa Clara County to stand with them and support Saratoga Chamber Mr. Fox noted that all of this is avoidable by the Council's actions tonight. Mr. Fox stated that overt political punishment is not good government. John Palladimo, 14670 Quito Road, noted that he has been a resident for two years and the first thing he and his wife did was join the Chamber of Commerce. Mr. Palladimo noted that he was surprised when Councilmember Bogosian requested top agendize cutting ties with the Chamber. Mr. Palladimo noted that all Chambers should have the support of the City even though they might not always agree. Mr. Palladimo noted that what is needed between the City and the Chamber is more communication lines. Cily Council Meeting 'J February 12, 2002 Councilmember Bogosian asked Mr. Palladimo is he was a member of the Executive Committee when the issue surrounding the Mt. Winery. Mr. Palladimo responded yes he was a past Committee member but not during the time when the Mt. Winery was discussed. . Ray Friess, 20225 Ljepava Drive, noted that he has been a Chamber member for 12 yeazs. Mr. Fries noted that he feels the Chamber is an asset to the City. Sazatoga's business environment is unique, consists mostly small businesses. Mr. Freiss noted that he has been trying to get the business license data from the City but has been unsuccessful. Mr. Fries noted that the Chamber receives at least fifty calls a day. Herb Radding, 14050 Chester Avenue, noted that he has lived in Saratoga for 27 years. Mr. Radding stated that he questions if the members of the Chamber of Commerce agrees with the actions taken by the Board. Mr. Radding noted that he received the sample ballot in regazds to Measure E and compazed it to the project list for the College District and questioned how the money will be spent. Lea Ann Hernandez, 14626 Big Basin Way, noted that her family has owned the Saratoga Oaks Lodge for fifty-five yeazs. Ms. Hernandez asked how the Chamber is suppose to increase their membership with Sazatoga Businesses when the City will not let businesses come into the City. Ms. Hernandez noted that with the events of September 11 it has affected the business community in Sazatoga. Dick Wood, 14694 Sycamore Drive, noted that he is retired, but still volunteers in a number of activities in Saratoga. Mr. Wood noted that he was the President of the Chamber in 1995. Mr. Wood noted that he was surprised with the Council's action to agendize terminating the financial ties with the Chamber. Mr. Wood stated that for many yeazs the City and the Chamber had a good working relationship. Mr. Wood noted the Mayor in 1994 started the SBDC, which is still meets today. Cynthia Barry, 19281 San Marcos Road, noted that she has been a Sazatoga resident for 27 yeazs and was not speaking a s the Chair of the Planning Commission. Ms. Barry noted that the City Council has consistently and courageously made neighborhood interest top priority. Ms. Barry noted that this Council has also been very proactive in prompting business in Saratoga. Ms. Barry noted that the Chamber accepts public funds but closes their meetings to the public. Ms. Barry requested that the City discontinue supporting the Chamber of Commerce. Willys Peck, 14275 Sazatoga Avenue, has been resident for 78 years and is an Associate member of the Chamber. Mr. Peck noted that he was here tonight to point out and emphasize that the Chamber of Commerce is a necessary element in this community. Mr. Peck noted that he feels the Chamber should not be moved from there Councilmember Bogosian asked as an Associate Member does he pay dues and was he polled by the Executive Committee as to whether he supported that position on the Mt. Winery City Council Meeting 8 February l2, 2002 Mr. Peck responded yes he pays dues and but cannot remember if he was polled. . Vic Monia, Granite Way, noted that if the Chamber was a success, why did the City have to hire Economic Development Coordinator. Mr. Monia stated that severing ties with the Chamber did not come up because of Measure E; it has been an ongoing problem. Mr. Monia stated that past Council's were also dissatisfied with the services provided by the Chamber. Mr. Monia stated that he feels the Chamber is a poor investment for the City and the City's taxpayers have not been getting the service they deserve. Sheila Arthur, 509 Dipper Circle, San Jose, noted that she was the Executive Director of the Chamber of Commerce from 1988-1999. Ms. Arthur pointed out that she worked with 3 City Managers and 11 Mayors during that time. In regazds to the Chamber's storage unit at the Corporation yazd, Ms. Arthur explained that the City allowed the Chamber to store it there in return the Chamber put City information on their website. Ms. Arthur stated the City's Chamber cannot be compared to nearby cities. Cheriel Jensen, 13737 Quito Road, pointed out that the City has always had problems with the Chamber. Ms. Jensen noted that the Chamber has never supported the neighborhoods in Saratoga. Gary Smith, PO Box 2682, noted that he owns a business in Saratoga since 1991 and has been a Chamber member ever since. Mr. Smith noted that he feels the Chamber provides good networking opportunities for small businesses. Mr. Smith noted that it is important to keep a good relationship with the Chamber. Dale Allen, 14426 Black Walnut Court, noted that the City has a right to stop funding to the Chamber because the City has not seen results. Mr. Allen pointed out the City Council invites the public to come to the meetings and participate whereas the Chamber holds closed meetings. Pearl Medeiros, 1045 Zarick Drive, San Jose, stated that she is not Saratoga resident but a member of the Chamber. Ms. Medeiros noted that City representatives, Mayor Streit and Councilmember Waltonsmith have attend the Chamber's Boazd meetings. Ms. Mederios stated that the Board did have one closed meeting last year when personnel issues were discussed. In regazds to the vote by the Boazd of Director supporting Measure E, Ms. Medeiros stated that Dr. Mazchelle Fox did not attend that meeting nor did she vote. Fran Andresen, 19952 Garnett Court, stated that the Chamber has a new Boazd of Directors and requested that the City Council should consider Alternative #1 and give the Chamber another chance. Jack Mallory, 12258 Kirkdale Drive, noted that he has been a Saratoga resident since 1967. Mr. Mallory stated that the Chamber should take a class in diplomacy. Mr. Mallory noted that he believes the Chamber is an important part of the community. City Council Meeting 9 Febmary 12, 2002 Councilmember Bogosian noted that the Council has received approximately 40 emails and a packet of correspondences in regards to this issue. Councilmember Bogosian stated that after looking through all of the correspondences approximately 2/3 favoring some kind of sanction on the Chamber and 1/3 favoring urging no sanction. Councilmember Waltonsmith noted that she pulled the Chamber's "Mission Statement" off of their website and stated, "The most basis of all Chamber activities is it's unifying influence". Councilmember Waltonsmith noted that she agrees. Councilmember Waltonsmith read a few statements from City Councilmembers from other cities in regards to their Chambers. Councilmember Waltonsmith noted that the Town of Los Gatos agreement with their Chamber states that they expect "service" and "cooperation", which in her mind is what the Sazatoga Chamber of Commerce is missing - it has been divisive. Councilmember Waltonsmith noted that she agrees that the Chamber has done good projects but in addition they have been divisive and have taken stances that have not been good for the citizens of Sazatoga. Councilmember Waltonsmith noted that she does not agree with the way the current Boazd of Directors have high jacked the Chamber and have focused on pet projects of Boazd members to the determent of Saratoga business in general. Councilmember Bogosian stated that every person that comes before the Council has the person US constitutional guaranteed right to state their opinion over the years on the Council he has heard a lot of view in which he does not agree with. Councilmember Bogosian stated that he does not maintain and never has that an organization should agree with what Councilmembers or Councilmember, but however the question before us tonight is continuing the funding of the Chamber of Commerce of $30-40 thousand dollars a yeaz - is it a good business deal for the City. Councilmember Bogosian noted that tonight the Council has to make a business decision tonight. Councilmember Bogosian noted that he would like to point out a couple of issues for everyone to consider. Councilmember Bogosian stated that this Council has spend approximately $300,000 or more on legal fees to deal with three key issues 1. Development at Azule -The Chamber of Commerce took the position to favor a large proportion of residential building on the property -does not seems like a pro business decision - it just so happens that a family member of the property owners was a past president of the Chamber of Commerce. 2. Mountain Winery -The City has spent a lot of money on Attorney fees to develop conditions to guarantee the preservation of our neighborhoods in our city from the effects of traffic and noise from the Winery. The City fought with the County to be involved in the process. The Executive Director at the time, Abby Krimotot, came to a Planning Commission and stated that the City Council does not represent the people of Saratoga. 3. Measure E -sheds light on the relationship between the Chamber and West Valley Board. The City has spent a lot of money to preserve the quality of life for the residents of Sazatoga. City Council Meeting 1 Q February l2, 2002 Councilmember Bogosian noted that he does not believe it is a good business decision to spend taxpayer money on an organization that has consisting and publicly opposes quality of life issues of our residents. Councilmember Bogosian stated that he would have no problem with the Chambers decision if we were not spending taxpayer money. Councilmember Bogosian stated that in order to keep the cash support and lease agreement with the Chamber the Council needs to prove to the people that it is a good business decision to continue. Councilmember Bogosian stated he supports cutting the cash and the lease. Vice Mayor Baker stated that there is a lot of evidence proves that this City Council is pro business. This Council has made decisions to promote and retain businesses. Vice Mayor Baker noted that he believes that no City should be without a Chamber, but agree with the Town of Los Gatos when they cut ties with their Chamber, when the Chamber became political advocates. This is not the role a chamber should have. Vice Mayor Baker noted that he doesn't agree think the Chamber and citizens should always agree with all the decisions this Council makes. Vice Mayor Baker asked if he thinks the City has a good working relationship with the Chamber, NO. Vice Mayor Baker noted a year ago he chaired the joint meeting with the Chamber, who at the time the Executive Director presented an outgoing multifaceted approach to improve the interaction with the city, however that program never happened nor did any serious negations take place between the City and the Chamber. Vice Mayor Baker noted that he knows it is to the benefit to every business, the City Council, and to the City of Saratoga to have a Chamber of Commerce. Vice Mayor Baker stated that he does not like any of the options presented tonight, he doesn't feel the Chamber should be cut off, nor does he agree with getting rid of Celebrate Saratoga. Vice mayor cautioned the Chamber Board not to become a political entity, it is not the Boards role, their role is to promote and encourage good business in Saratoga -every one reaps great benefits form that. Vice Mayor Baker noted that he would only support putting aside all of the negative comments and get to a cooperative discussion between the City and Chamber to come for the benefit of all. Mayor Streit concurred with Vice Mayor Baker, noting that one of his goals when he became Mayor was to build a cooperative nature with all the different groups in Saratoga. Mayor Streit noted that the Chamber of Commerce is an integral part of the community. Mayor Streit noted that some day the Chamber will be on its own, but this is not the time to cut them off. Mayor Streit noted it is the time to get an agreement together where the City can put down in writing what we expect for the City's funding. Mayor Streit noted the City has not proven that the Chamber has not does what the City has asked because we don't have an agreement. City Council Meeting 11 February 12, 2002 Mayor Streit stated that he is not willing to support any of the options. Mayor Streit stated that in theory the vote is 2-2 and suggested that Council direct staff to do more reseazch and come back March 6, 2002 if Council agrees. Councilmember Bogosian suggested that staff should go back to the record two yeazs ago when the City provided an agreement to the Chamber but never received it back signed. Councilmember Bogosian suggested that in three months Council should review this issue and see if we have made any process. Vice Mayor Baker suggested a Study Session between the Chamber Boazd and the City Council. Councilmember Waltonsmith noted that she could support sitting down with the Chamber and discuss all the past and future issues. Councilmember Waltonsmith noted that she is willing to go forward to work out an agreement with the Chamber. A discussion took place in regards setting up another meeting with the Chamber - possibly May 7, 2002. City Manager Anderson was instructed to work with the Chamber to come up with a date. Mayor Streit thanked everyone for coming this evening. 3. PROPERTY CLAIM OF HAKONE GARDENS; CLAIM NO. GL-053582 STAFF RECOMMENDATION: Authorize payment of deductible. Cathleen Boyer, City Clerk, explained that on January 18, 2002 a small fire occurred in the Cultural Exchange Building on the Hakone Gardens property. The City leases this property to the Hakone Foundation. Under the lease agreement that was renewed in November 2000 the City is responsible for providing "fire and extended coverage insurance on all buildings and other insurable improvements located on the premises which are the property of the Landlord." City Clerk Boyer stated that the City's claims examiner met with Masako Hall the Director of Administration at Hakone Gardens to assess the damage on January 23, 2002 and again of January 29, 2002 to investigate the incident. Full coverage is available on this loss subject to the $5,000 Property Program Deductible. City Clerk Boyer explained that in order to mitigate the smoke ,damage sustained throughout the Cultural Exchange Center, Four Star Restoration was called and performed the necessary clean-up totally $10,856.71. Ms. Hall is currently obtaining estimates and invoices for the cost to repair the divider screen door, the floor framing and the replacement costs for the electric burner. So far the estimates total $4,066.64 Councilmember Bogosian requested that City staff follow up with Hakone that they install safety precautions. City Manager Anderson responded that staffwould contact Hakone. City Council Meeting ], 2 February 12, 2002 CITY COUNCIL ITEMS Councilmember Waltonsmith referred to an article she read recently in the New York Times. Councilmember Waltonsmith explained that Kabul University has reopened and is in need of books. Councilmember Waltonsmith explained that a professor at the University stated that their library was empty and would take donations. Councilmember Waltonsmith asked if the City could coordinate some sort of collection efforts to help. OTHER None CITY MANAGER'S REPORT None ADJOURNMENT There being no further business, the Mayor declared the meeting adjourned at 10:10 p.m. submitted, City City Council Meeting 13 Febmary 12, 2002