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HomeMy WebLinkAbout05-08-2001 Adjourned meeting City Council Minutes MINUTES SARATOGA CITY COUNCIL ADJOURNED MEETING JOINT SESSION YOUTH COMMISSION SARATOGA BUSINESS DEVELOPMENT COMMITTEE CHAMBER OF COMMERCE MAY 8, 2001 The City Council of the City of Saratoga met in a scheduled Adjourned Council Meeting on May 8, 2001 at the Adult Care Center, 19655 Allendale Avenue. Mayor Pro Tem Baker called the Adjourned City Council meeting to order at 7:10 p.m. and requested James Atldn, Chair/Youth Commission, to lead the Pledge of Allegiance. ROLL CALL PRESENT: ABSENT: ALSO PRESENT: Councilmembers Ann Waltonsmith, Evan Baker, Stan Bogosian Vice Mayor Nick Streit, Mayor John Mehaffey Dave Anderson, City Manager Cathleen Boyer, City Clerk Joan Pisani, Director of Recreation Lauren Merriman, Staff Liaison/Youth Commission REPORT OF CITY CLERK ON POSTING OF AGENDA FOR MAY 8, 2001. Cathleen Boyer, City Clerk, reported that pursuant to Government Code Section 54954.2, the agenda for the meeting of May 8, 2001 was properly posted on May 4, 2001. COMMUNICATIONS FROM PUBLIC No one spoke at tonight's meeting. JOINT MEETING WITH YOUTH COMMISSION Mayor Pro Tem Baker welcomed the Youth Commission. Joan Pisani, Director of Recreation thanked the Council for g~ving the Youth Commission the opportunity to meet with them. The £ollowing Youth Commission members were present: James Atkin, Chair Saratoga High School Tannaz Altafi Saratoga High School James Ballingal Redwood Middle School Darrell Wu Lynbrook High School Ramy E1 Diwany Saratoga High School Valerie Famurn Saratoga High School Nicolette Kirk Archbishop Mitty High School Elliott Onn Redwood Middle School Jen Levin Prospect High School Christina Siadat Presentation High School Jackie Luskey Saratoga High School Abhik Pramanik Prospect High School Mieka Sywak Monta Vista High School Lee Blair Saratoga High School Director Pisani noted that the Commissioners would like to take this opportunity to inform the City Council about their recent activities and fund raising efforts. 1. OVERVIEW OF THE YEAR- 2000-2001 James Atkin -.Youth Conference Chair Atkin noted that on March 30, 2001 the Youth Commission held its first Youth Conference. Chair Atkin pointed out that Assernblymember Cohn was the keynote speaker. He explained that the surrounding schools were invited to discuss and brainstorm issues that might concern today's youth. Chair Atkin noted that the Youth Commission is planning another conference sometime in August. Tannaz Altafi - Warner Hutton House Commissioner Altafi reported that 65-80 students fi:om St Andrews, Sacred Heart, Redwood, and Rolling Hills visit the Warner Hutton House after school. The average visit is approximately one hour. Commissioner Altafi reported that 20 teens stay at the Warner Hutton House until it closes at 5:30 p.m. Commissioner Altafi invited the City Council to the Warner Hutton House BBQ on June 13, 2001. James Ballingall - Attic Renovation Commissioner Ballingall reported that renovating the attic in the Warner Hutton House would add 1,000 sq. ft. of study area and 600 sq. ft. of extra storage space. Commissioner Ballingall explained that the proposed renovation would consist of converting the attic into one big study/computer room, and adding a few individual and group study areas. Commissioner Ballingall noted that a few years ago Gilbane Construction donated a free estimate of the proposed attic renovation. Commissioner Ballingall noted that at the time Gilbane Construction estimated the total cost of $170,000.00. Darrell Wu - Skateboard Park Commissioner Wu reported that the Youth Commission has had many discussions on the issue surrounding building a skateboard park in the City of Saratoga. Commissioner Wu noted that the Youth Commission feels a skateboard park is a necessity and if directed by the City Council, the Commission would do all the research for construction and possible sites. Cig, Council Minutes 2 May 8, 2001 Ramy E1 Diwany - Safe Ride Commissioner E1 Diwany reported that Safe Ride was established in 1999. Commissioner E1 Diwany noted that Safe Ride provides approximately 10 rides per night. It is run by teens with one adult to supervise. All rides are confidential. Valerie Famum - Street Dance Fundraiser Commissioner Famum reported that last year the Youth Commission made approximately $1,800.00 selling glow necklaces at Celebrate Saratoga. Commissioner Famum noted that the Commission helped set up for Celebrate Saratoga and in return the Chamber of Commeme waived booth fees. Nicolette Kirk - Friends of the Warner Hutton House Commissioner Kirk noted that this year Friends of the Warner Hutton House received $9,600.00 during their annual appeal. Commisisoner Kirk stated that all donation are tax deductible. Commissioner Kirk informed the Council that some of the money that is received helps offset the cost of the Recreation Coordinator. Elliott Onn- Rotary Art Show Fundraiser Commissioner Onn reported that this year the Rotary Club offered the Youth Commission $10.00 per hour per person to help at their annual art show. Commissioner Onn reported that they had 22 volunteers including Youth Commissioners and various other friends and family members. The Commission made $1,200.00. Jen Levin - School Diversity of Commission Commissioner Levin reported that the Commission tries hard to communicate to all of the surrounding schools and include them in all of the events sponsored by the Youth Commission. Commissioner Levin reported that a recent dance several Miller students attended. Christina Siadat - Events (girls ovemight, concerts, etc.) Commissioner Siadat reported that the Youth Commission had a girls only sleepover at the Warner Hutton House. The Youth Commission made $300.00 on this event. Commissioner Siadat noted that this year the Commission has had two concerts - both generating approximately $250.00. Commissioner Siadat announced that on May 16~' the Youth Commission would receive 10% of the total earnings during the hours of 5-9 p.m. at McDonald's in the Westgate Shopping Mall. Jackie Leskey - Future Ideas Commissioner Leskey commented briefly on the following ideas the Youth Commission would like to implement this year: Skateboard park ,, Music Festival at Wildwood Park · Coffee House Night at the WHH, including poetry reading and music · WHH open during finals week · SurvivaVReal World parties · Smoothie Booth once a week at the WHH · Fashion Show City Council Minutes 3 May 8, 2001 Abhik Pramanik - Website Commissioner Pramanik noted that he designed the website to help communicate to the youth in this area. He noted that some schools do not allow the Youth Commission to advertise upcoming events. Commissioner Pramanik briefly demonstrated the website, located at www.saratogayouth.com, he designed for the Youth Commission. Commissioner Pramanik explained that the site would include current information pertaining to the Youth Commission such as upcoming dances, concerts, trips, and positions available on the Commission. Councilmember Bogosian asked why some schools do not allow advertising, and if the Commission cannot advertise how do the teens find out about upcoming events. Director Pisani responded that the Cupertino Union School District would allow the Commission to advertise their events only if the City of Saratoga provided fee waivers. Commissioner Pramanik noted that some teens find out about upcoming events by word of mouth. City Manager Anderson noted that the Youth Commission would like to have a link to their website on the City's site. Mieka Sywak - Dances Commissioner Sywak reported that the Youth Commission has sponsored six dances so far this school year. Commissioner Sywak noted that May 11, 2001 wotfld be the last dance. Commissioner Sywak noted that in December the Youth Commission sponsored it's first formal dance. Commissioner Sywak reported that after expenses, the Commission made $3,500.00 a profit from that dance. Lee Blair- Dance Curfew Commissioner Blair reported that there is an ongoing problem with parents not picking up their teens after dances and other events sponsored by the Youth Commission.. Commissioner Blair noted that sometimes parents are up to two hours late. Commissioner Blair noted that usually someone from the Commission would stay and wait for the teen's parents to amve. Commissioner Blair stated that the Youth Commission feels it is not their responsibility to stay, but they do not want to leave a teen unattended. A discussion took place on the number of teens that are left after events are over and possible reasons why. Commissioner Blair explained that the Youth Commission proposes an amendment to the curfew ordinance; perhaps if the parents do not arrive ½ hour after the event ends the teen should be turned over to the Sheriff's Department. Mayor Pro Tam Baker requested that the Youth Commission agendize this issue at the Youth Commission's next meeting and report back to the City Council at a later time. Every member of the City Council expressed their appreciation for the hard work and effort demonstrated by the Youth Commission. CiWCouncilMinutes 4 MayS, 2001 Mayor Pro Tem Baker adjoumed the meeting with the Youth Commission and commenced the meeting with the Saratoga Business Development Committee at 7:50 p.m. JOINT MEETING WITH SBDC 2. OVERVIEW OF THE YEAR- 2000-2001 Marilyn White, President/SBDC, thanked the Council for allowing the SBDC to meet with them tonight. Ms. White explained the SBDC is made up of business owners and managers fi.om the Village, Gateway, Prospect, Quito, Argonaut, and home based businesses. The mission of SBDC "Is to act as a forum for businesses and residents to air problems and develop solutions". Ms. White noted that the SBDC has been active for over six years. Ms. White highlighted key issues discussed at the SBDC meetings since January 2001: · Economic Development Coordinator position · Village Renovation Project · Beautification Project on Big Basin · Tree Trimming schedule · Planting more low maintenance trees · Eagle Wing Theatre - search for a new venue · Energy conservation efforts Ms. White reported a few brainstorming ideas the SBDC have been discussing such as: · Generate mission statement · Develop a Traffic Circulation Plan for Village · Identify historic buildings in the downtown area · Retail/Commercial buildings with residential units above Ms. White noted that the SBDC would like to work more closely with the Chamber of Commerce. Ms. White noted that the SBDC hopes to attract more representatives fi.om home based businesses and other businesses that are not currently represented on the SBDC. Bill Cooper, SBDC/Owner, Bella Saratoga, noted that the directional signs for the wineries have been installed and they look great. Councilmember Bogosian asked how the SBDC views the current parking situation in the Village. Ms. White responded that the there seems to be inadequate parking during the day and sufficient parking at night. Ms. White noted that Village business owners have expressed that inadequate employee parking is their biggest concern. City Council Minutes 5 May 8, 2001 Mr. Cooper noted that there are more offices in the Village, which has caused part of the current parking problem. Councilmember Bogosian asked Ms. White how the downtown merchants reacted to the decorative lights being shut off. Ms. White responded that everyone misses the lighting. Ms. White reminded everyone that the SBDC meets every 4th Wednesday at 8:00 a.m. in the Administrative Conference Room at City Hail. Mayor Pro Tem Baker thanked the SBDC for coming tonight. Mayor Pro Tem Baker adjourned the meeting with the SBDC and requested a ten-minute recess. Mayor Pro Tem Baker reconvened the meeting at 8:25 p.m. and commenced the meeting with the Chamber of Commerce. JOINT MEETING WITH CHAMBER OF COMMERCE Patti O'Brien, Executive Director, thanked the Council for the opportunity to meet with the Chamber of Commerce. 3. OVERVIEW OF THE YEAR- 2000-2001 Ms. O'Brien presented a brief overview of the Saratoga Chamber of Commerce: · Not-for-profit organization Acts as a liaison between the City and it's membership · Recognized as the voice of the business community · 21- member Board of Directors · 60-70 volunteers Ms. O'Brien noted that the Chamber provides direct services and programs to help businesses and the community. One of the Chamber's main objectives is to enhance the quality of life through economic prosperity. Ms. O'Brien noted that the Chamber is made up of an Executive Board of Directors, an Advisory Board, and several committees. The Chamber of Commerce currently has 395 members. Ms. O'Brien explained that not only does the Chamber of Commerce provide resources and services for the business community; the Chamber also has become a tourist and information center. Ms. O'Brien noted that the Chamber of Commerce sponsors and offers financial support for the following community events and organizations: · 4th of July Celebration · Village Open House City Council Minutes 6 May 8, 2001 · West Valley Community College Events · Saratoga High School Music Boosters · The Saratoga Rotary Club · Hakone Gardens · Shakespeare in the Park Ms. O'Brien noted that Celebrate Saratoga is scheduled for September 15, 2001. Ms. O'Brien commented that tourist information and inquiries have doubled from the previous year, which encouraged them to develop a new website located at www.saratogachamber.org. Ms. O'Brien noted the following publications that the Chamber provides: · Saratoga map · Relocation package · Business Focus Newsletter · Economic and Development Profile · Directory to Public Officials · Guide to Saratoga · Cai/OSHA Workplace Poster Set · Fact Sheets on Saratoga Ms. O'Brien noted that one of the most popular Chamber of Commerce products has been the Directory and Relocation Guide. Twelve thousand copies were published in 2000-2001. In February 2000, approximately 9,000 copies were delivered to Saratoga businesses and residences. Based upon popular demand 15,000 copies will be distributed for 2002-2003 Directory. Ms. O'Brien explained that this year the Chamber would like the City to contribute $33,404.56 to help offset various costs to nm the Saratoga Chamber of Commerce. Ms. O'Brien explained that in return the City would receive a cover headliner on the 2002-2003 Directory, 25 pages of community promotions, updated map, and product delivered to 10,000 residents and businesses. Councilmember Bogosian questioned the current funds the City pays for the Chamber of Commerce. City Manager Anderson responded that the City covers: · Building lease agreement · City maintenance workers help with Celebrate Saratoga · Paid PG&E · Provides and installs decorative lighting in the Village. A discussion took place in regards to the current funds the City already allocates towards the Chamber of Commerce and the current lease value of the Chamber building. Councilmember Bogosian questioned if the Chamber Board has taken a stand in regards to the recent issues surrounding the proposed stadium at West Valley College. City Council Minutes '7 May 8, 2001 Ms. O'Brien responded that the Board has not taken a position on that issue and has no plans to do so in the future. Councilmember Waltonsmith commented that she was glad to see the Chamber taking a new direction and staying away from the political forum. Councilmember Bogosian noted that last year the Chamber was asked to provide the City Council with sales tax revenue as a standard in which the Chamber's contributions could be judged. The Chamber chose not to discus that request. Ms. O'Brien noted that she was not aware of the request, but will see that a report is provided to the Council in a timely manner. Ms. O'Brien noted that this year the Chamber's membership increased by 95 new members. Monica Bailey, Board of Director/Chamber of Commerce, requested that the City provide sales tax data on the City of Saratoga. City Manager Anderson noted that it is against state law to provide individual business records, but if formally requested he could provide the top ten. Judy Coulter, Board of Director/Chamber of commerce, noted that the cost of the decorative lights and the PG&E bill has nothing to do with the Chamber of Commerce and should not be held against them. Mayor Pro Tern Baker thanked the Chamber of Commerce for coming tonight and reminded Ms. O'Brien to attend the May 16th City Council meeting when the expenditure side of the budget would be presented. CITY COUNCIL ITEMS Councilmember Waltonsmith noted that there is a public meeting scheduled for June 7, 2001 to discuss the Trail Feasibility Study along the Union Pacific Railroad. OTHER None CITY MANAGER'S REPORT None City Council Minutes 8 May 8, 2001 ADJOURNMENT There being no further business, the Mayor Pro Tem Baker declared the meeting adjou_med at 9:10 p.m. Cit Y Cle.rl~"-.~... ~,~ ~ X'X.~ City Council Minutes 9 May 8, 2001