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HomeMy WebLinkAbout03-27-2001 Adjourned City Council Minutes MINUTES SARATOGA CITY COUNCIL ADJOURNED MEETING JOINT SESSION SARATOGA AREA SENIOR COORDINATING COUNCIL DISCUSSION - AFFORDABLE HOUSING NEEDS PARKS AND RECREATION MARCH 27, 2001 The City Council of the City of Saratoga met in a scheduled Adjourned Council Meeting on March 27, 2001 at the Adult Care Center, 19655 Allendale Avenue. Mayor Mehaffey called the Adjourned City Council meeting to order at 6:05 p.m. and requested Ema Jackman, Planning Commissioner/SASCC Board member to lead the Pledge of Allegiance. ROLL CALL PRESENT: Councilmembers Ann Waltonsmith, Evan Baker, Stan Bogosian Vice Mayor Nick Streit, Mayor John Mehaffey ABSENT: None ALSO PRESENT: Dave Anderson, City Manager Cathleen Boyer, City Clerk John Cherbone, Director of Public Works Cary Bloomquist, Administrative Analyst REPORT OF CITY CLERK ON POSTING OF AGENDA FOR MARCH 27, 2001. Cathleen Boyer, City Clerk, reported that pursuant to Government Code Section 54954.2, the agenda for the meeting of March 27, 2001 was properly posted on March 23, 2001. COMMUNICATIONS FROM PUBLIC No one spoke at tonight's meeting. JOINT MEETING WITH SARATOGA AREA SENIOR COORDINATING COUNCIL Mayor Mehaffey welcomed Saratoga Area Senior Coordinating Council. 1. Paul Clark, SASCC President, thanked the Council for the opportunity to meet with them and introduced the members of the Board of Directors that were present tonight: Amy Parsons/D/rector, and Ema Jackman/Vice President. Mr. Clark also introduced Mary GoularffExecutive Director and Karen Lorenz/Administrative Director. Director Goulart reported that the Saratoga Senior Center serves approximately 1,800 active, local seniors each month. Director Goulart noted that 60% of these seniors have low to moderate income. Director Goulart briefly described some of the programs and services the Senior Center offers. Director Goulart explained that the Center operated with a minimum paid staff with over 200 volunteers who jointly contribute more than 10,000 hours annually. Director Goulart briefly discussed the major concems and issues of SASCC: 1. Facility Refurbishment - New modular building has increased 1400 sq. fl. of usable space available for classes and recreational purposes. 2. Security, Theft and Vandalism - Recent theft has raised many concems on the security of the buildings. City Manager Anderson and Captain Miles/SCC Sheriff's Department, are working on solutions to resolve the concems of the staff. 3. SASCC's Safety Committee/S.H.A.R.P. Pilot Program - New program designed to educate and refer elderly residents who live alone of options for preventive care and rescue procedures in the event of an emergency. Director Goulart noted that this program has been started because of the unfortunate death of Shirley Ewins. Director Goulart noted that residents who participated in this program would complete an application listing personal and medical history and the location of a key to their residence. In the event of an emergency their data would be pulled and the location of the key would enable officials to enter the home and possibly save a life. 4. New Programs and Activities - A new computer class and computer lab has been offered to participants at the Senior Center. An $8,000.00 grant was given to SASCC fi.om Pac Bell, which bought three computers, DSL service for one year, and one printer. Director Lorenz explained the results of the Caregiver/Participant Survey. Director Lorenz noted that the retum rate was 75%, which is a high rate for this type of survey. Director Lorenz briefly highlighted the survey results and noted that 92% say the participant's quality of life has improved since they started participating in the programs offered by the Saratoga Senior Center. Director Lorenz noted that on an average day between 16-21 seniors participate in the program, ranging in cost of $11.00 - $45.00 per person, and participants come from all of the West Valley Cities. Councilmember Bogosian thanked the staff members at the Senior Center for all of their hard work and noted that they provide a tremendous service to the elderly and their families. Mayor Mehaffey asked if physical and mental impairments limit participation in the programs offered at the Senior Center. Director Lorenz stated that no one is discriminated; any one can participate in the programs. City Council Minutes 2 March 27, 2001 Director Goulart invited everyone to visit the Senior Center and thanked the City Council for their continued support. Mayor Mehaffey adjourned the Joint City Council with SASCC and commenced the meeting to discuss affordable housing needs in Saratoga at 7:45 p.m. JOINT MEETING TO DISCUSS AFFORDABLE HOUSING NEEDS IN THE CITY OF SARATOGA Irwin Kaplan, Interim Community Development Director, presented staff report and noted that Jeff Goldman/Parson and Bartholomew, who is the City's consultant for the Housing Element, was present to answer any questions the Council might have. Director Kaplan reviewed the draft ABAG - Housing Needs Assessment Report. Director Kaplan noted that the Housing Element should address all the issues of concern to the Community, not only those identified by ABAG in meeting its mandated responsibility to determine the City's share of the regional housing needs. Mayor Mehaffey noted that this was the appropriate time for members of the public to address the Council. Mayor Mehaffey explained that the City Council cannot make any decisions tonight but was them to listen to everyone's concern regarding the need for affordable housing in Saratoga. Chris Block, Executive Director/Housing Trust of Santa Clara County, 111 St. John Street, briefly explained that the Housing Trust of Santa Clara County was formed approximately four years ago. HTSCC is a public/private initiative, spearheading the creation of more affordable housing, first time homebuyers purchasing ability and low income housing assistance. Mr. Block noted that the HTSCC would be able to give loans to nonprofit developers much more quickly than cities would be able to do it because of the public process. Mr. Block reported that the Sabrato Family Foundation would announce on Monday at a press conference that they would dedicate $10 million dollars in a land acquisition and redevelopment fund in the strategic partnership with the Housing Trust. The HTSCC joins the private sector in conjunction with the County, the cities of Santa Clara County and charitable foundations. Mr. Block reported that to date HTSCC has raised $18 ½ million dollars. Laura Stuchinski/Silicon Valley Manufacturing Group, added that ten local jurisdictions in Santa Clara County have contributed to the HTSCC. Vice Mayor Streit asked Mr. Block how would the HTSCC figure out how to allocate the funds between the jurisdictions that donate money. Mr. Block responded that hopefully in the future the HTSCC would be able to match the funds when a project is proposed. Mr. Block pointed out that trying to solve this problem city by city does not work. A sub region wide approach is the only practical approach. City Council Minutes 3 March 27, 2001 Marjorie Ottenberg, 12881 Foothill Lane, noted that the City missed a great opportunity to increase the number of affordable units when the Azule Development was willing to build low-income housing. Agnes Gregorian, 18867 Montewood Court, addressed the need for affordable housing for teachers who serve the City of Saratoga. Ms. Gregorian requested that the Council do the following: 1) Allocate $2 million dollars to allow interest or no interest equity sharing loans for teachers for housing 2) Require developers to build 15% of future developments as affordable housing or 15% of project into affordable housing funds future 3) Relax restrictions on existing secondary units to allow more affordable rental units 4) Allow teachers to be the City's top priority and first for eligibility for low- income housing. Jan Birenbaum, Co Chair/Teacher Housing Initiative Committee, 20052 Sunset Drive, pointed out that median priced housing is still out of reach for the majority of people in this area. Ms. Birenbaum strongly urged the Council to allocate $2 million dollars towards low-income loans for housing. Carol Barmeier, 13499 Chalet Clotilde Drive, described the programs that surrounding cities are starting to meet the needs of affordable housing for teachers. Chin Le Chang, 19486 Burgundy Way, strongly urged the City Council to allocate $2 million dollars towards housing programs. Muriel Mahrer, 13577 Myren Drive, noted that she has lived here since 1955 and is a former teacher. Ms. Mahrer offered the Council several alternatives to incorporate low income housing into the City of Saratoga such as; build housing over retail buildings, require builders to build 15% affordable traits or pay 15% into a fund that would be spent for low income housing, grandfather in secondary units that are not up to code, relax restrictions on secondary units, and build parking structures below ground and housing on top. Charlotte Sparacino, 14325 Springer Avenue, reported that 2/3 of all the teachers in the Saratoga Union School District have been there for 6 years or less, and 1/3 of the teachers are retiring within 3-5 years. Mrs. Sparacino expressed concern that the quality of education in Saratoga would diminish if the turnover rate continues at this rate. Ms. Sparacino noted that this year three teachers left SUSD because they lost their rental homes. Brain Safine, 4107 Acapulco Drive, noted that he lives in Campbell but teachers at Redwood Middle School in Saratoga. Mr. Safine pointed out that currently there are 40 teachers at Redwood Middle School, and out of 11 have been hired within the last three years. Mr. Safine noted that he rents a house with two roommates because he cannot afford to buy his own home. Cady Richter, 18845 Afion Avenue, noted that she is the president of the Cupertino Union School District PTA. Ms. Richter informed the Council that CUSD is having similar problems as SUSD - loosing teachers because of low pay and lack of affordable housing. City Council Minutes 4 March 27, 2001 Chuck Page, 20790 Norada Court, noted that he is in the CUSD and they lost 10 teachers last year. Mr. Page strongly urged the Council to make affordable housing a priority. Christina Garrod, 22600 Mt. Eden Road, noted that her family has lived in Saratoga for over 150 years. Ms. Garrod noted that she has been a teacher for ten years and is very concerned about the turnover rate of new teachers. Bette Cruikshank, 20303 Calle Montalvo, noted that the high cost of housing in Saratoga is linked to the quality of the schools. Ms. Cruikshank strongly urged the Council to allocate $2 million dollars for affordable housing, relax restrictions on granny units, and make developers pay into or build 15% BMR units. Marge Bunyard, 12625 Miller Avenue, President/League of Women Voters, noted that times have changed and Saratoga better look at the need for affordable housing. Ms. Bunyard noted that people want to live in Saratoga because of the school district. Ms. Bunyard noted that she is looking forward to the Housing Element process. Mayor Mehaffey commented that he could support the 15% in lieu fees or require developers to build 15% BMR units, but does not support limiting BMR units to only teachers but open to all public employees. Mayor Mehaffey requested that a contribution to the Housing Trust be agendized at a future meeting. Councilmember Waltonsmith commented that the Council is very aware of the need for affordable housing. Councilmember Waltonsmith noted that in regards to affordable housing in Saratoga, this Council has been left with a legacy of doing nothing and now . this Council has to play catch up. Councilmember Bogosian concurred with Councilmember Waltonsmith that the Council is aware of the need of affordable housing in Saratoga. Councilmember Bogosain noted that the seven school districts that serve Saratoga should step in to take action and examine teacher's salaries. Councilmember Bogosian noted that he does not support a preferential class of people for affordable housing units. Councilmember Bogosian agreed that approving illegal secondary units with limited code restrictions and streamlining the process to allow more secondary units to be built. Vice Mayor Streit concurred with his colleagues and added that his concern is allocating $2 million dollars for housing programs. Vice Mayor Streit noted that the City has many C1P projects and other commitments that may take priority over new housing programs. Vice Mayor Streit invited everyone to participate in the upcoming budget process. Councilmember Baker noted that the housing crisis in not a new subject. Councilmember Baker noted that in 1980 the Silicon Valley Manufacturing Group predicted this crisis, but encouraged new businesses. Councilmember Baker noted that the offer from Azule Project was that they would build 28 homes, 2 of which would be low income housing 2 requiring a contribution of $500,000 per home. As far as the City Council Minutes 5 March 27, 2001 programs that neighboring cities are starting, Councilmember Baker explained that those cities have larger uncommitted reserve funds than Saratoga. Mayor Mehaffey thanked everyone for participating in the discussion regarding affordable housing. Mayor Mehaffey declared a five minute break at 8:35 p.m. ADJOURNMENT TO JOINT MEETING PARKS AND RECREATION COMMISSION Mayor Mehaffey commenced the Joint Meeting with the Parks and Recreation Commission at 8:40 p.m. Norbert Fronczak, Chair/Parks and Recreation Commission, called the roll and the following Commissioners were present: Judy Albert, Elaine Clabeaux, Sandra Dodge, Sheila Ioannou, and Nick Seroff. Chair Fronczak noted that Commissioner Barbara Olsen could not attend tonight's meeting due to a prior commitment. Chair Fronczak briefly commented that recently three Parks Commissioners had the opportunity to attend the CPRs Conference. Chair Fronczak noted that recommendations from the Trails Sub Committee have been completed, such as the Mt. Eden Trail repair project and Council's support of the Feasibility Study for the UPC trail. Chair Fronczak briefly explained the Parks and Recreation Commission's completed capital improvements of the year 2000: · Remodeled bathroom at Wildwood Park · Congress Springs Park Improvement Project · E1 Quito Park Improvement Project · Gardner Park Improvement Project · Kevin Moran Park Improvement Project Chair Fronczak noted that the Parks and Recreation Commission would like to update the Parks and Trails Master Plan and are currently trying to find practice fields for the soccer groups and pony league. Councilmember Baker noted that the City has received many letters from residents around Azule Park requesting that it be developed. Councilmember Baker asked if the Commission had any plans on the future development of Azule Park. Chair Fronczak responded that the first step is to determine what types of facilities the neighbors want in this park. Chair Fronczak asked the Council if this park should be a priority of the Parks and Recreation Commission. City Council Minutes (~ March 27, 2001 Mayor Mehaffey questioned a wish list compiled by the Parks and Recreation Commission that he saw in the Saratoga News. Chair Fronczak noted that the list was the beginning of the brainstorming process the Parks and Recreation Commission used to determine this years project for the Parks and Recreation Commission. Vice Mayor Streit noted the he fully supports the development of Azule Park. In regards to the development of Azule Park, Councilmember Bogosian explained that in 1999 the City Council voted to exclude soccer fields at Azule Park and at Marshal Lane. Secondly, he noted that he wants to be sure that the process is driven equitably and fairly and that all interests are represented. Councilmember Bogosian noted that this was the problem the City ran into with Congress Springs Park Improvement Project. Councilmember Waltonsmith supports the development of Azule Park and suggested that it be agendized at a future meeting. Commissioner Clabeaux noted that the first step in the development of Azule Park should be that the residents around Azule Park have neighborhood meetings and prioritize their desires for the development of this park. Don Johnson, 19997 Sea Gull Way, pointed out that Azule park has been waiting for over 30 years for city leaders to make a decision about its future. Mr. Johnson noted that two years ago the neighborhood offered to help the city develop a Master Plan for Azule Park, unfortunately that never happened. Mr. Johnson strongly urged the City Council to develop Azule Park as a neighborhood park without any organized sports or practice areas. Katie Alexander, 12340 Goleta Avenue, explained why her neighborhood is requesting the development of Azule Park without organized sports. Mrs. Alexander noted that the Parks and Recreation Commission has been working with the athletic groups but the neighborhoods have been left out. Laura Gloner, 12649 Lido Way, noted her family moved here two years ago. Mrs. Gloner noted that the parks in Saratoga are very important for young Saratoga families. Mrs. Gloner noted Azule Park deserves to be developed. Mrs. Gloner urged the Council to get the process going and identify its needs. Mark Linsky, 14240 Barksdale Court, noted that practice fields for the coming soccer season is still needed. Mr. Linsky noted that flat grass should not be excluded from Azule Park. Mr. Linsky stated that the needs for all of the residents of Saratoga should be addressed. Vibha Goel, 12262 Goleta Avenue, noted that she supports Azule Park be developed for low-density use. Mrs. Goel requested that until a Master Plan is developed for this park, City Council Minutes 7 Mamh 27, 2001 could the City do some basic maintenance such as cleaning out dead trees and planting a few evergreens against the back wall. Daniel Yau, 13655 Verde Vista Court, does not support Azule Park being developed into a sports field due to traffic and safety concerns. Mr. Yau requested that this park be developed as a neighborhood park so that everyone could use it, not just special interest groups. Tom Souka, 12340 Goleta Avenue, requested that the Council move forward with the development of Azule Park. David Mighdoll, 13664 Ronnie Way, noted in regards to the process for allocation of funds for the development of Azule Park all Saratoga residents should have a say of how this park gets developed. Mr. Mighdoll noted that all residents of Saratoga pay taxes that help maintain all of the parks in Saratoga. Mr. Mighdoll noted that he supports open grass areas in Azule Park. Mr. Mighdoll reminded the City Council that last year the Cotmcil committed that they would find more practice fields for C.Y.S.A. Mayor Mehaffey noted that he supports the development of Azule Park including some flat grass area not necessarily designated as practice fields. Commissioner Ioannou requested that the Council provide clear direction to the Parks and Recreation Commission on how to proceed with the development of Azule Park. Vice Mayor Streit noted that Jack Fischer Park in Campbell is a good example of a neighborhood park. Vice Mayor Streit noted that this park has a great layout with a lot of activities, but still allows an area for flat grass. Cotmcilmember Baker noted that as long as he is on the City Council he would never agree on anything but a neighborhood park at Azule. Councilmember Baker stated that he does not support any organized sports there. Commissioner Ioannou noted that Jack Fischer Park is a disaster. Commissioner Ioannou noted that because it is so well developed it draws people from all over the area, which in turn creates additional traffic and people in the surrounding neighborhood. Mrs. Alexander noted that her neighborhood does not object to rolling grass. Councilmember Waltonsmith stated that she does not support organized sports at Azule Park. Councilmember Waltonsmith noted that right now it should be developed as a neighborhood park and maybe someday in the future, when the needs change, the park can be redeveloped. Councilmember Bogosian stated that he supports Azule Park developed as a neighborhood park without flat grass. Commissioner Alberts noted that the Parks and Recreation Commission has been working with the Azule Park neighborhood. Commissioner Albert concun'ed with City Council Minutes 8 March 27, 2001 Commissioner Ioaimou that the Commission needs clear direction on the development of Azule Park - neighborhood park or community park. Mayor Mehaffey noted for the record he does not support a competition size flat grass area, but does not object to some flat grass. Mr. Linsky stated that he does not have a problem excluding completion size soccer fields from Azule Park, but not allowing flat grass is ridiculous. Mr. Mighdoll suggested that if the Council cannot give clear direction to the Parks and Recreation Commission on how to develop Azule Park, then maybe it should go on a ballot. Commissioner Seroffresponded that it is ridiculous to take this issue to a vote of all of the residents in Saratoga because it does not affect the majority of residents. Commissioner Clabeaux requested that the Council provide clear direction to the Commission on the development of Azule Park. Mayor Mehaffey noted the consensus of the Council is that Azule Park will not be used on an organized basis for soccer practice and developed as a neighborhood park. Vice Mayor Streit asked City Manager Anderson if he would develop a process for the PRC to follow and should it be moved to the CIP process. City Manager Anderson responded that if Council desires he would work with the PRC and staffto develop a process, which would result in a Master Plan for Azule Park. Councilmember Bogosian noted that he thinks it is too premature to authorize the process to proceed with a Master Plan and this park should be moved to the CIP process. Commissioner Ioannou noted that she does not support adding the development of Azule Park to the CIP process. Commissioner Ioannou noted it would take away any input the Parks and Recreation Commission might have. Councilmember Baker agreed with Commissioner Ioannou. Councilmember Waltonsmith stated she wants this project to move ahead as a high priority. Commissioner Seroff asked the Council for input as to what projects the Commission should focus on this year. Councilmember Bogosian responded that he would like to see the slide area on the Tank Trail fixed. Vice Mayor Streit requested that the Commission re-examine the use of E1 Quito Park as practice fields for C.Y.S.A. City Council Minutes 9 March 27, 2001 Mayor Mehaffey stated that his direction to the Commission would be to investigate a skateboard park, community garden, and the renovation of the Warner Hutton House attic. Commissioner Ioannou asked for clear direction on the feasibility of a skateboard park. Councilmember Waltonsmith and Councilmember Bogosian requested that the Commission investigate locations for a possible skateboard park. Vice Mayor Streit noted that he supports a skateboard park. Councilmember Baker noted that he does not support any improvements to Saratoga and Prospect High School, or a skateboard park. Councilmember Baker stated that the City's money should be spent on things that improve city-owned properties that are used as recreational purposes for all citizens. Councilmember Waltonsmith noted her direction to the Commission would be the renovation of the Warner Hutton House attic, relocating the tennis courts that were removed from Congress Springs Park, and the Union Pacific Railroad Trail. Commissioner Clabeaux asked the Council if the following were still priorities of the Council: relocate the tennis courts and the basketball courts that were removed from Congress Springs Park, find a Pony League field and provide a C.Y.S.A practice fields. Mayor Mehaffey noted that the Council made a commitment to the Pony League and C.Y.S.A. to find practice fields. Councilmember Waltonsmith noted that in regards to the basketball courts, she has not heard the need for new courts. Vice Mayor Streit responded that the basketball courts at Congress Springs Park were in bad condition and suggested indoor basketball courts. Vice Mayor Streit noted that the Recreation Department used the tennis courts for some of their programs and suggested that staff check with Director Pisani. Mayor Mehaffey thanked the Parks and Recreation Commission for attending tonight's meeting. CITY COUNCIL ITEMS Councilmember Bogosian requested that the City respond to a letter received from the municipality of Anchorage Alaska inviting the City to be put on a list to receive emails on what issues are going on in Alaska in regards to the recent energy crisis. OTHER None City Council Minutes ]- 0 March 27, 2001 CITY MANAGER'S REPORT None ADJOURNMENT There being no._~f, urther business, the Mayor declared the meeting adjourned at l°:35'p-m' ;.i--2. 7. -£ -~: ' City Council Minutes '1 '1 March 27, 2001