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HomeMy WebLinkAbout05-17-1971 City Council Minutes ~ /,,-::. . . " " " CITY COUNCIL - PLANNING COMMISSION JOINT STUDY SESSION TIME: PLACE: TYPE: MONDAY, MAY 17, 1971 - 7:30 P.M. CITY COUNCIL CHAMBERS, 13777 FRUITVALE'AVENUE, SARATOGA, CALIFORNIA JOINT STUDY SESSION - CITY OF SARATOGA CITY COUNCIL AND PLANNING COMMISSION 1. ROLL CALL Present: Absent: Present: Absent: Councilman Robbins, Sanders,Smith. Councilman Bridges & Dwyer. Commissioners Krause, Lively, Marshall, Martin, Smith Commissioners Fagan, Metcalf II. CENTRAL AREA STUDY A. Presentation of Study Results by Eldon Beck Mayor Robbins explained that although these results had been presented to some committees of the Council, they had not been formally presented to the Councilor the Planning Commission as a whole. Mr. Beck stated that the initial charge was one of researching the recreational potential in the way of a golf course. Later the study included potentials for housing, open space, etc. to provide guidelines which the city could give to developers. After the study was completed, Mr. Beck arranged for a student to do a more detailed study of soil and vegetation types, inc1!itding a slope analysis.',~ '."-'-' ,"..-'--, Mr. Beck presented a slope analysis map which showed 390 buildable lots, including the Odd Fellows Home and other private parcels which are con- sidered permanent ownerships; a map showing vegetation types, water courses, valuable trees, etc. and suggested that maps which the developers submit should show existing landscape features and values as to whether or not they should be saved; a soil analysis map cataloging soil types, representing the most fertile lands, less fertile and less desirable lands and the erosive land which has a potential for sliding; a map showing landscape features and cataloging view ar~as, considering routing of a transportation system. Mr. Beck presented amap showing' the design of a golf course and stated he had obtained the reaction of an expert, Bob Graves, as to the potential for this area as' a golf course. One seriBps drawback is that a full size golf course would require full re-grading of the whóle area. His recommendation was that he did not consider a golf course as being the best use of this land. ' Mr. Beck stated that by using all the available background infornntion, they have begun planning with a roadway system, trying to follow the terrain. He felt strongly that the ultimate control which the city has is in the routing of the roadway. It was their conclusion that there are less conflicts if we can collect as many private drives off the main circulation route as possible. Mr. Beck presented a schematic map showing that by changing lot size,,~eta~ni~~-the'~am~'density,it was possible to make a trade for the creation of'open space. He also suggested a series of community spaces centered around a community building or hub of neighborhood activity. In addition, he referred to the possibility of developing a trail system. His ('coU'c1usion was that the city could control open space and people move~ent trails by designating roadway routing right from the beginning. He noted that the burden should be on the developer to show the gain to the city by increased density. A basis of one unit per acre had been used for the whole study area. Mr. Beck pointed out that there is an economic question as well as a philosophical one, and that the c~ty has two elements of control: 1) control \.-..- .' 0'" . . MAY 17, 1971 " ~ CITY COUNCIL-PLANNING COMMISSION JOINT STUDY SESSION - of the route of the major roadway which will dictate the way people can build; and 2) control over whether you want to retain green belt or open space or a trail system. He recommended green zones beside,public roads. Within the street right-of-way, we have the capability of moving the road to. create a greenway. Mr. Sanders stated that one of the key 'points is that you have to know roughly where your access and circulatiòn, roads and 'paths, are gòing to be'fòr the whole area. " Commissioner Krausg\'stated that the Planning Commission has been interested for some time in not having the developer plan where: the roads should be and wondered if the Planning Commission and City Council can legally indicate where the roads should gò. In response to a question from the Planning Director, Mr: Beck stated that he did not think this plan showed cluster housing in the terms used by most communities. In many areas, this is a standard subdivision., It was Mr. Beck's opinion thàt cluster housing begins at a density of 5 units per acre and goes from there on upwards. Most planning people would not use the term cluster in this particular area. Mayor Robbins wondered whether variations of ownership in maintenance and ownership of the various recreational areas had been Fonsidered. Mr. Beck replied that this 'was projected on the basis that these ar~ probably neighborhoòds of 40-60 units and that each would form 'community associations. The area south ~f the Odd Fellows Home would potentially be undeveloped. Mr. Beck stateð that the next step in this study would be to have agreement as to the validity of the,ideas expressed and enough': time to firm"up~ ideas as to roads. -Mayor Robbins stated that there is a proposal for development of 80 acres south of , , Redwood School. The developer is prqposing to develop part of the land and give part to the City for use as a central park. Witþ the recreational facilities proposed by the college, Mayor Robbins wondered if this might not be, the right place for a central park, since it.could duplicate some of the facilities provi~ed by the Assessment District. It was Mr. Beck's feeling that the college development would tend toward paved tennis courts and large green bàll fields. Facilities in a central park would be aimed at total family use - play facilities for all age groups, space for elderly activities, a whole range of unorganized sports and some organized such as bowling and badminton. Normally a school facility does:not provide',a creative range of facilities such as those provided in a park. Tennis courts would be the only duplication he could foresee and he felt a public park should have tennis.courts. Mr. Beck referred to Mitchell Park, Cuesta Park and Central Park in Santa Clara as good examples. Mayor Robbins proposed that this matter be referred to the píanning Committee of the Council and an appropriate committee of the Planning Commission to study this matter and make recommendations to the Council and Planning Commission 011 the action which should be taken by these bodies to implement further action on this study. , Mr. Sanders stat~d that he felt it,was the city's job to lay out'a proposed network r'" . - ~,,~~">;..---- ~_. _.,c.' :.....~_7,:;w~~""'-~, _ . of ,rñašter roads-;throughouf::o.thë"Ci;tY,2iñ\,order to plan around them and this should not .- -~-~r-"'-='""""-'''''-''''--·- ~":':.__o:o._~~-"-""._-;:'';'_7_.' ,.,>';;-.....' be leÎt'~üp tò 'the su15divider.~' He 15elieved these roads should have wide rights-of-way for pathways along them. He also felt that even if we don't want something that $' -~- -~ ..,.....~~--".----,~. . . resembles clu~'tE;r-llìt.er:ZõIl..¿tli:~Ç;th!, master 'gridwork of collector streets can allow for a subdivision. "'ðr'£òY"li::>tš'o£ open space or cluster. He felt that green areas should be owned in common by the people in each area and cared for by them and that easements should be obtained for walking through. He felt that driveways generally should not enter into main roads. ,Mr. Sanders hoped that out of this study would come some kind of master plan for this whole area, for the collector streets which are meandering and conform to the contours and not built on economically unfeasible slide areas:.etc. In response to a question from Commissioner Martin, Mr. Sanders stated that whoever will benefit most should be willing to pay for maintenance plus it relieves the city of the maintenance situation. He not~d that there are technical ways to achieve this. - 2 - / " . . " ~ CITY COUNCIL-PLANNING COMMISSION JOINT STUDY SESSION - MAY 18, 1971 III. JOINT HOUSING ELEMENT - REVIEW OF REPORT BY CITY ATTORNEY The City ,Manager provide~ a copy of å le~ter which the City Attorney had drafted to th~ Planning Policy, Committee of Santa Clara County for review and comment. Councilman Smith did not tµink we sh9Uold take a very active role in this first meeting. He had spoken to Chuck Gord,n who feels there will be a number of extra governmental groups to give testimony. The PPC vote originally scheduled for May 27 see~s doubtful at this point. With regard to the document itself, Mr. Smith felt it wouM' be pointless 'to review it at this meeting. Mr. Smith had re-read the report and had comments he would like to make before the city presents specific recommendations or comments to the goals themselves. He would be willing to make these comme~ts at another joint' meeting or to the Council. He felt the whole document· required a great deal of re-wording and that the City Attorney's letter set the theme. It was the consensus of the meeting that the Mayor will sign the letter drafted by the City Attorney with one minor change and that Mr. Johnston will decide whether or not to make a presentation at the first meeting. IV. GENERAL PLAN REVIEW A. Possible Elimination of High Density R-M Zoning Districts such as R-M-3,OOO and R-M-4,000 Mr. Sanders stated that he had observed what has been done with RM-3,000 in this community and he was not pleased with the results. He felt that when you add accommodations for automobiles in addition to units it becomes much t~crowded and gets away from the feeling of Saratoga itself. He asked to see some study by the Pl'anning Commission as to whether it woùld make sense to have RM-5,000 and 6,000 rather. than RM 3,000, 4,000 and 5,000. He agreed that there was enough RM:zbn~~g. C. '--,Smith felt that in view of the PPC Joint Housing Element, it would not be a good time to change this policy now. It was the consensus of the group that there is some question about RM-3,000 and they would like to have this whole matter reviewed in light of their reluctance to go with 3,000. B. Status and Policies concerning West Valley Freeway (Route 85) Through Saratoga Mayor Robbins explained that there has been a movement which will result in a State Hearing as to whether or not construction of the West Valley Freeway should be ,~~-from .Highway l7 to Route lOl as a first priority rather than the 'present schedûíe from Cupertino. The Council supported this position. Commissioner Martin wondered whether the City was able to exert any control over this except by not allowing certain streets to be closed off. Mayor Robbins replied that the State can put this through whenever they want but are apparently becoming more receptive to view of the communities. Mr. Smith noted that the City has already executed the Freeway Agreement some ten years ago. Commissioner Martin did not like to see too many entrances to freeways. From a community standpoint; hè felt that the entrance on Prospect is very close to t~~.,,o?,,;, _Q,.n Sarat~ga~Su,n.nyv:{'l~ Road; he would prefer that we not have,'·~interêhange on. >'Fròs'pect R6âd.· Commissioner Smith commented that there was very serious consideration by the Department of Highways to eliminate one or the other. Mr. Martin felt that the Council should take a position on this since it would mean anFintercnange La'tne resídenfial ratner than the commercial area. Mr. Marshall stated that the present, we,sX.-:alley freeway has an exit every half mile or so which is used as à commutè '; lane and there is a possibility -'3 8 /~~ . . " ~ CITY COUNCIL-PLANNING COMMISSION JOINT STUDY SESSION - MAY 18, 1971 that entry ways will be used as a series of city streets. He noted that more people live in the Los Gatos-Saratoga area trying to get toMountain View and Sunnyvale than there are trying to get to IBM. The Assistant Planner commented that there was an article in the paper saying that Governor Reagan wanted to get local officials more involved in freeway planning. Mr. Huff stat~d that a meeting has been set with representatives from the Division of Highways on June 1 to discuss the West Valley Freeway. He suggested that this meeting explore fáctors that are present now which were not present ten years ago. Mr, Naugle, who was present in the audience, stated that he knew a considerable number of people who would welcome áa:opportunity to attend a hearing of the Division of Highways as to the need for an interchange at Prospect Road. Mr. Sanders suggested that the City increase its liaison with the Div~ion of Highways once we establish our position anew. C. Boundary Areas Between Different Residential Densities: Wilson, Moran, etc. Counèilmàn~~ Smith ?tated that one of the underlying points is the fact that the General Plan in Saratoga hàs long been viewed along with the zoning lines. General Plans in other c~mmunities will list a cdmmercial area as a general indication - - - . . without restricting it to particular property lines. One of the good points is that this allows some flexibility when you are faced with troublesome pieces. Secondly, 'many of the problems exist becausè',of pre-existing lot sizes. The Planning Director stated that the broad brush proposal might be preferable because it takes into consideration topography, pre-existing buildings, different characteristics of the lands and gives a lot more flexibility in adjusting zoning lines upon application. On the other hand it opens up opportunities for the developers or property owners to keep questioning the General plan and then applying for higher density zoning. Commissioner Lively stated that the an area which is in the wrong use. the only way to proceed. city has adjusted the He felt ,that our very General plan to adjust to specific General Plan is Councilman Smith felt it was important to remind people that other factors are taken into consideration. There was a general discussion of the Wilson and Moran properties. It was the consensus of the group that there may be specific reasons of topography which we have considered in the past and we will continue to , consider them as they come before us. Commissioner Marshall stressed the importance of anapplicant presenting proper maps showing their specific proposals. It was proposed that the staff make a study and recommendations on various problem areas which involved terrain. Commissioner Lively stated that the Commission had tried to get the General Plan before the Council early so that hopefully hearings could be held before summer vacations begin. It was the consensus that the staff conduct a preliminary study which will be circulated to the Planning Commission and the Council. V. PLANNED COMMUNITY - CLUSTER CONCEPT Mayor Robbins referred to the last study session on November 30 and suggested that a committee work out the proposed guidelines for planned community development. Councilman Sanders referred to G -l30 and the benefits to the subdivider. Commissioner Smith felt that cluster is part of Planned Community but it is a matter of degree. - 4 - ..'~" . . , .' ,- CITY COUNCIL-PLANNING COMMISSION JOINT STUDY SESSION - MAY l8, 1971 Mr. Lively stressed that he did not think that Saratogans wanted cluster development. They do not like the visual affects and reduced zoning. Councilman Sanders felt that if it were done in the proper manner it could be a better use of the land. Commissioner Marshall referred to two areas where'it could work - in a large area, where you can plan it out; and in an area similar to Dumas where you have a difficult piece of property. He felt that the example Mr. Beck presented was a logical element. ConuiJissioner Martin th01¿ght the big problem was' in educating the citizens to accept cluster development so they can have more open living availáble to more people. Councilman Sanders pointed out that people who built or moved into the central area did not expect to be re-zoned from R-1-40,000 to R-1-20,000 and they do have a right to object. If the General Plan shows a buffer zone of new homes and next to them there is going to be something different, then at least people will be fully informed before they move in. The Planning,Director presented the Dumas proposal which follows the pattern established by the Council and Planning Commission ang their was a general feeling that this was a more attractfve proposal than those submitted formerly. ' The discussion was tabled. VI ; CAPITAL IMPROVEMENT PROGRAM Councilman Sanders stated that the Capital Improvement Program is very flexible but does keep priorities,in front of 'us. ______"--'..""'l.,-c~~~:.,;;~ < ,:<;êo;p:r:iss~~m,e'r,Lj.vely stated that Planning Commission discussions a'imed âf tlie' staff with a feeling that they would take the list e~tablished program,of action. " of the DrOgram had been , < and \use it as an . Discussion tabled. VII, COMMUNICATION BE1WEEN COUN::IL AND PLANNING COMMISSION It was the consensus of the group that when thereSis an appeal from Planning Commission decision that it,{be.,ObJigatory to hold a meeting between the two committees. _'''-C"'-:~ It was the consensus that the joint study sessions are valuable to all concerned and should continue to be held every six months. The next study session was therefore scheduled for November lO, 1971. VIII. ADJOURNMENT The meeting adjourned at 10:15 P.M. Respectf:~ ~~ed, p1f77f JRH:r