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HomeMy WebLinkAbout12-03-1975 City Council Minutes MINUTES SARATOGA CITY COUNCIL TIME: Wednesday, December~, 1975 - 7:30 P.M. PLACE: Saratoga City Council Chambers, 13777 Fruitvale Ave., Saratoga, California TYPE: Regular Meeting I. ORGANIZATION A. ROLL CALL .~r~-c6~,' ~ai, Bridges A~6~t ~ N6~"' -- ~ ' ..... B. MINUTES It was moved by Councilman Brigham and seconded by Councilwoman Corr the minutes of November 5th and November llth, 1975, be approved, and the reading waived. The motion was carried. II. CONSENT CALENDAR A. COMPOSITION OF CONSENT CALENDAR 1. Releas. e of Bond a) SDR-1070, Douglas Hines, Pierce Road b) SDR-1081, James Dyer, Vessing Road c) SDR-1162, Don Jones, Ten ACres Road d) SDR-1200, Mrs. Dale Pinkerton, Pierce Road 2. Approval of Landscape Plans fo~ Saratoga-Sunnyvale Road Median Landscaping 3. Authorization to Call for Bids for Saratoga-Sunnyvale Road Median Land- scaping 4. Publication of Basic Wage Rates It was moved by Councilman Brigham and seconded by Councilman Matteoni the Consent Calendar be approved. The motion was carried. III. BIDS AND CONTRACTS IV. PETITIONS, ORDINANCES AND RESOLIJTIONS A. RESOLUTI!ON NO. MV-103 Resolution Designating the Intersections of Via Escuela Drive and Ten Oaks Way and Michaels Drive and Dorsey Way as Stop Intersections (Cont'd. 11/~'/75) The City Manager reported that the Iraffic Engineer, after a review of the entire street (Via Escuela), does not feel that stop signs are warrented at these intersections. He indicated he has also received a petition from 25 people in the Glasgow Drive area, asking that traffiL control devices be---~ erected in the area along Glasgow Drive, from Mil.ievich Drive to Scotland 6~gn~e. ~In~Ti~ht'~f'~h~'Tda~i~lT~r~a~T~br ~af~id cOht~ 'd~TcbF this g~hb~'~l'~b~hb6~ho6~,'~a~so, Consultant, is conducting an~f~T~ffe.'~jaes Study, it would be the staff's reco~endation to look at all the intersecting streets around Congress Springs School, and possibly Argonaut School, and come back with a plan similar to the Prides Crossing plan for the Council's review and consideration. Resolution MV-103 (Cont'd.) Sherwood Gooz~e, 12481Saratoga-Oreek Drive, addressed the Council and commented that if you were to put an officer at this intersection, you could support the whole City of Saratoga, as he didn't feel there was more than 5 percent of the people who come to a legitimate stop at this corner, and many of them just ignore it totally. .(Mr. Gooz~e then identified this corner on the overhead map as Saratoga. Creek Drive and Ral~i~h~P'l~V David Ellenberger, who resides at the corner of V~a Escuela and Glen Brae Drive, indicated that recently there was a stop sign near Congress Springs School on Glen Brae, and this particular stop sign has done a lot to eliminate the "Saturday night crowd". He indicated that the stop sign is rarely adhered to, and oftentimes when school children are in the area. Mr. Ellenberger agreed that there needs to be some major'type studyof the entire area of Congress Springs School. However,~he felt this should be divorced from other issues. It was then moved by Councilman Kraus and seconded by Councilwoman Corr to allow the staff 80 to~9'O\ days to review the entire area, in reference to Via Escuela. The motion was carried. The Council then considered the Michaels Drive and Dorsey Way intersection. Councilman Kraus commented that he is quite familiar .with this particular intersection, and di~'~.f~i,~n9 ~ign should be put in at this location at this time, but should wait until that area on Michaels Drive is built. Councilwoman Corr commented, however, that there is quite a blind spot as you come~ up this hill, and wondered about the possibility of putting a "Yield to Traffic" sign in this location. Mr. and Mrs. Craft, 22000 Dorsey Way, both testified to the fact that there is a problem at this intersection because of this blind spot, and indicated par- ticular concern with regard to children walking in this area. Councilman Matteoni asked if there were precautionary signs, such as "Intersection Ahead" that could be put on the uphill slope of Michaels Drive. Mr. Shook, Director of Public Works, advised that the Traffic Engineer did suggest a similar device as suggested by Councilman Matteoni, however, not in this direction, but the direction coming up the hill from Canyon View Drive, and this would notify those people. who might be making this turn onto Dorsey that there is an intersection. It was moved by Councilman Kraus and seconded by Councilwoman Corr to establish a "Yield" sign on Michaels. Drive soUtheastbound before enterinn the inter- section with' Dorsey Way, 6v'~a6~i~Re~oYu~{6H '~T6~. ~h~ ~6~W~s ~rr~ed B. RESOLUTION NO. MV-104 Resolution Designatin~ the Intersection of Stoneridge"~rive and'Snrinqer Avenue as a Stop Intersection It was moved by Councilm~n Brigham and seconded by Councilwoman Corr to adopt Resolution MV-104. The motion was carried unanimously. C. Letter and Petition Re: Abandonment of Easement on Harleigh Drive The City Manager reported that at the November 19th regular meeting, the City Council had received a petition from Richard Snow, an attorney representing two people living on Harleigh Drive, requestin~rthe eaSement:the City_has at the the end of Harleigh Drive be abando~dZ 'H~'~ndiCa{~a'~F~ the ma~te~a~ referred to the staff for review and comment. -2- Petition Re: Harlei~h Drive(Cont'd.) He reported that the Planning Department staff and Planning Con~nission when they '~all6wed the developer to put in the easement when that development was completed to allow for flexibility of access to the abutting vacant school property. He further indicated it is felt it would be premature to consider abandoning this easement at this time, without knowing what kind of development might take place on the ten acres, and this access might very well be needed, either as a secondary access or a primary access as part of that developmen~ to facilitate even circulation. Therefore, it is the staff's recommendation not to consider abandonment atthis time, and access to either of these two subdivisions would be considered at such future time that any plans came in for the development of this property. He Continu_ed_t~t~f the ~u~nc_~il f~h~6~d~6~i~'~b~d~tT' h~ ~,'h'~'~u l'd~T3~d~he"~a {teF~ ~ eferr e~ ~6~ ~ni~s~ '~r'f~r~r ~e~i~w ~ To~ ' Richard Snow, Attorney, addressed the Council and cemented that he understands the Streets and Highways Code requires a very elaborate procedure for such an abandonment. However, these procedures are necessary where it is found that such an easement is unnecessary for present or futureuse, and he felt this was the situation here. He-indicated that the eas~ent has not been used, and they have representations made by the City of Saratoga prior to his clients' buying the property that it would not be used for such an easement, and based upon these representations, his clients went to great expense in building homes, doing elaborate landscaping, etc. M~, Snow commented that he would think if this were the instance of an indiVidual who had an eas~ent over the property, there would be no doubt that the easement had been abandoned by this time, and he would think in all the principals of justice and fair play that that has happened here. Also, Mr. Snow cemented that there is an easement that is too narrow for a roadway; therefore, not only would his clients lose the property~that is currently subject to the eas~ent, but additional property, which would tend to reduce their property value. Harleigh stating that they do not wish this street to go through, as every lot on Harleigh is occupied, and he didn't feel there would be any additional use or any requi r~ent for that easement~ Eric Grube, a resident of Harleigh Drive, co~ent~ that he. has lived on Harleigh Drive for about 3 years: He indicated that about 3 years ago, the 2 lots at the end of the street were developed, and until that time, they had anticipated Harleigh Drive crossing the Union School District site because it was fenced. He indicated when they saw the cul-de-sac completed, they assumed the Planning Department had decided this would be a cul-de-sac street, which .indicated to the homeowners that the potential future extension was gone. They were sub- sequently told that this future roadway eas~ent was there, and they were some- distressed because of the College traffic, and this was their concern when they signed the petition asking the Council to abandonment the eas~ent. Councilman Brigham cemented that he felt the ~ity has a very dangerous problem as far as connecting the two Ha~leigh Avenues together because you are going to have the situation with West Valley College as a direct route do~n that way, and secondly, on the other side on Harleigh Drive, there are a lot of "No Parking' signs, and he felt if this street is open~ up, it would be opened up to "No Parking" signs all over Harle]gh and Perego Way. Mayor Bridges indicated he didn't feel the proposal was to open the street up, but rather, abandon any opportunity of doing anything with that particular street pattern.. Councilman Matteoni indicated'he would like to have some input as to whether or not, if the;~6~9 lands are developed, they could use'this, and if so, to what extent. Kenneth Snow, who resides on one of the lots on Harleigh Drive, advised that he first got his information~from the Plannin~ Staff who had indicated the reason for this easement was to be able to connect the two Harleigh Drives, and this was the major impetus for this petition and letter. He further - 3- Petitio. n. Re: Harleigh Drive (Cont'd.) commented that if the resolution is not to connect HaHeigh Drive, there is still no limitation on not connecting it back to Allendale, which would still increase the traffic and destroy an area where many kids play. It was then moved by Councilman Matteoni and seconded by Councilman Kraus -,to refer this matter to the Planning Commission fo~"~.i~W-~'n~ :~o~6~t~'~before making any decision. D. Petition from Residents of Carniel Avenue Asking the City of Saratoga and State of California to Modify Carniel Avenue at Its Intersection with Saratoga-- ~Sunnyvale Road to Eliminate Poor Drainage at This Location The City Manager recommended that this matter be referred to the staff for review with Cal-Trans, and come back with a report to the Council. V. SUBDIVISIONS, BUILDING SITES AND ZONING REQUESTS None. VI. PUBLIC HEARINGS A. CONSIDERATION OF REZONING FROM "R-1-20,O00" (SINGLE-FAMILY RESIDENTIAL, LOW DENSITY) TO "R-1-12,500" (SINGLErFAMILY RESIDENTIAL, MEDIUM DENSITY) THE PARCEL DESIGNATED AS PARCEL 65 OF BOOK 391 AT ,PAGE 37, LOCATED ON THE NORTHWEST CORNER OF ALLENDALE AVENUE. AND DOLPHIN DRIVE (ORDINANCE NS-3, ARTICLE 18) - #C-179 (HANSON) The City Manager advised 'that th~re~.is a recommendation from the Planning Commission for a change of zoning, and he asked that Mr. Don Burt of the Planning Staff review the reguest and the consideration given to this item. Mayor Bridges noted a discrepancy in the Droposed zoning classification, zoning from R~l-20,O00 to R-I-IO,O00 and R-1-20,O00, and the legal n6~ice in the local newspaper did not appear this way. Rather,'it indicated.con- sideration of reZoning'from R-1-20,O00 to R-1-12,500. It was, therefore, recommended this matter be continued, and the staff re-publish the correct hearing notice. This was acceptable to the other members of'the Council. This matter will, therefore, be continued to the January 7th City Council Meeting. B. 'HOUSING AND COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT A~T OF 1974; SECOND-YEAR COMMUNITY DEVELOP- MENT PLAN The City Manager indicated that sev4ral weeks ago, the staff reviewed with the Council the progress being made'on the implementation of the first-year progra~.,~"D~:the review schedule'that is necessary with the County and With A.~'~ ~!-h'~ i~i~ted'iH"o~a~t6 g'e~ ~ fi~l'~o~n~ 'a~li~Ti~ tO"HUO · 6~'~he','geC~nd y6~r 6~"~hiS ~PEi'n9~' it is necessary fO~he ~l~ ~6 ~pp~Ove its second-year program and submit it to the County as part of their total program. He then briefly outli'ned the proposed second-year plan, indicat}ng there are virtually no changes, but some refinements in terms of specific projects. He indicated there are 5 categories of programs being proposed, with a total of $156,000 for the second year. He i:nd4cated that there is an allocation of $88,000 for the Senior Citizen Housing Program. He indicated that there was an amendment to the first-year program, taking $1,300 to tabulate a detailed Senior Citizen housing survey, which is in the process of being carried out by the Senior Citizens Housing Task Force. He indicated that this year, these funds will be primarily land- banked for this program, and this is consistant with the program approved by the Council a year ago. -4- Housing and Co~unit~ Development Act..(Cont'd.) The Neighborhood Improvement Program is being continued at the same level of $21,000, and this past year, some funds have been al.located for the develop- ment of this 'program. He indicated that in the second year, the City will be getting into some actual housing improven~nts. He indicated a third program is the completi~on of Phase II of_E1 ~_~it_o__Pa~rk., and $19,300 is allocated. to this. r~h~.~ity~ill"~i~ 6~'~'i~o "~ bid on this project soon after the ~i'rs~ 6~ t~ ~ea~,"~'(~" ~6~o~a~i~' cipated possibly this ne~t spring, and completion in July or August, 1976. The fourth element of the program is Urban~Beautification in the Village, and. the second year continues beautification in this areaS' includin~ court yard improvements ~to the Saratoga Historical Park, upgrading of .Blaney Plaza, beautification treatment to the neglected di~t enbankment across from Blaney Plaze, addition of planter boxes to the frontage of~'the Saratoqa F~ir~_~bn., a~d'~'h~i~d~i~ of canopy a6d~edestrian-level foilage along the public rights-of-wa~ on Big Basin Way. The City Manager stated that in the ~bn~year, there are carry-over funds of $2,000 for the demolition of the Arco site, which was initially programmed in the second year. He indicated that recently the Council.approved an amendment to this so work might be started on this project this year. He further pointed out that funds have been allocated in the second and third yeaf'~ograms.~S~nt of $12,000 for contingencies. Stan Carnekie, Administrative Aide for the City, co~ented with regard to the Neighborhood Improvement Program, i ndicati ng that the CoUnci 1 passed partici - pation with the County in a cooperative rehabilitation~ and training program, which program is under way and about ~e-third complete at this time. He further commented the staff is gaining experience in the area of'rehabilitation, and anticipates putting together an ad~uate and feasible Improvement Program in the near future. He indicated that the funds available for thi's ~rQjeCt-~t th~ present time amount to $18,000, and there is a 15-day draw time for these funds. The Mayor then open~ the'public hearing at 8:33P.M. Nancy McDonald, 20301 Kirkmont Drive, addressed the Council, and asked if she understood it correctly that the County was holding $18,000 of the C~ty's money. Mayor Bridges explain~ that the County is the agency through which we draw down ~he money from the Federal Government, but they do not hold the City's money, ~t .the recommendati on of the City Manager, i t was moved ~by Counci 1 man Kraus and seconded by Couhcilwoman Corr ~hi~ hearing be continued to the next regular meeting of the Council' to allow for any.additional input. Councilwoman Corr suggest~ that there be a publicity notice in the newspaper regarding this issue. Th~ City Manager co~ented that hopefully, the City's next issue of the Saratoga Report will be in the mail before the next meeting, which contains an article relevant to this program~ ~ .......~ ' ~ VII. ADMINISTRATIVE ~TTERS A. MAYOR 1. Reported that County Transit District Board has set an election for implementation of 1/2~Tt~S~I~S'~'~(rT~T~ pu~'pgses. He indicated th~ Council would be ~ee~th the Distritt Bo~'~ to revi~ this matter in the near future. - 5-- B. FINANCE 1. Payment of.'Claims It was moved by Councilwoman:Corr and seconded by Councilman Brigham the list of disbursements, 22337 through 22415, be approved, and the Mayor be authorized to sign the warrants. The motion was carried. C. COUNCIL AND COMMISSION REPORTS 1. Councilman Brigham - At the last meeting of P.P.C., they passed a re- affirmation of the resolution to consider having a transit element in the General Plan. He indi= cated he would like to set aside a time to talk about this with'~_h~ Also, P.P.C. discussed the idea of changing the name of the sphere of influence, and having another intermediate sphere of influence which would be jointly controlled by the County and the City. He i'ndicated P.P.C. would be discussing this new concept in more detail. 2. Library Commission - The City Manager advised that the Library Co,~nission had met lqst week, md one of the items discussed was the proposed new library. He indicated that the Conmhission took action to ask the City Council to reconsider their choice of a site on City-owned land, and stated their reasons for same. In addition, the Library Commission ~e-affirmed their position to support a site on Saratoga Avenue near Sacred Heart Church. D. DEPARTMENT HEADS AND OFFI'CERS 1. Director of Public Works - Deferred Improvement Agreement and Sphere of Influence Mr. Shook, Director of. Public Works, 'indicated he.has received a transmittal from the County on this matter, requesting that the City Council inform them as to its desire to use the blanket basis for considering all appli- cations with the City's sphere of i-nfluence, or wh~ther the Council would prefer to have them considered on a per-item basis It was moved by Councilman Kraus and seconded by Councilman Brigham to communicate to the County the City of Saratoga's position that they would like to be on a blanket basis throughout the sphere of influence for deferred site improvement agreements. The motion was carried. 2. Director of PubliC- Works - Improvements on Fruitvale Ave., between San Marcos and Burgandy Way Reported that it was overlooked in the budget process the left-hand turn storage lanes from Fruitvale Avenue onto San Marcos Road and into the Odd Fellows entrance, and also~ installation of signs and pavement delin- eations. He indicated the total cost for these improvements would be $2,800. He indicated it was his recommendation that funds allocated for the modi- fication of the signal at Fruitvale and Allendale be transferred to this improvement project. It was moved by Council~BFi~h~fia ~Con~ed approve the staff's recO~lm~nB~on ~fid'~ph~ove 66nstructiOn"(fb~o~ive left-turn lane serving San MarCoS Road and the Odd Fellows Home, as well as installation of signs and new striping legends. 'The motion was carried. -6- Recess and reconveyne E. CITY MANAGER 1. Approval to Proceed with En~ineerin9 and Design Work for 'Development of Historical Park Site It was moved by Councilman Kraus and seconded by Councilman Brigham to approve the design .for development of a Historical Park Site and proceed ~ty engineering work and going out to bid. 'Also, to declare this as an official "City Bicentennial Project". The motion was carried unanimously. 2. First-Quarter Crime Report for Fiscal Year 1975-~6 - Reported an increase to 89 burglaries during the first quarter as com- pared to 50 one year ago;~Assau.lt, 8 occurrences, as compared to 5 one year ago; Auto Theft, no occurrences, as, compared to'~6 one year ago; and Malicious Mischief, 72, as compared to 81 one year ago._~He reported that traffic accidents have~creased approximately~13.5%~dmpa~'~T~6' _s~age9 period one year ago. 3. Contribution from Saratoga BeautifO1 fo.r Village Beautification It was moved 'by Councilman Kraus and seconded by Councilwoman Corr to accept the contribution in the amount of $156.96 from Saratoga Beautiful'. The motion was carried. 4, <C~arification of ~l '~'nd'-~ in~ Commlission A~endas Council concurred in City Manager's recommendation that the public agencies as indicated in his memorandum, dated December 3, 1975, be exempt from the recently approved Council policy with regard~to charges for City Council and Planning Commission agendas. 5. Recommendation Re: Proposed Library Site Selection The City Manager presented a cost comparison for improvements to the two alternate library sites previousl~ considered by the Council, and further presented a third possible site l~cation ~~, ~.a~A"A~6T.T TH~'~i~i~ ~r~.. hi~ .re~q~enda~ig~'~ ~pUbl hearing be held tS~O6~er this additional. alternate site, and also, cost for improvements on the three alternate site~. (Fruitvale - Saratoga Ave., Saratoga Ave'. adjacent to Sacred Heart-Church, and Sarato~a. Sunnyvale Road, Cox Avenue) This public hearing was acceptable to .th~ CoGncil, and it was ..... set for Tuesdav,..p~eSem~er' 9~hL ...... - VIII. COMMUNICATIONS A. WRITTEN 1. Petition from 23 Saratoga residents requesting the i~ediate selection and ratification of a City-owned site for building a City. library. - Noted and filed; consideration at public hearing on December 9th. 2. Marlene Duffin, President, Wildwood Heights Homeowners Association, re-. questing the Council to approve building a library on City-owned land, preferable the site next to Sacred Heart Church. - Noted and filed; con- sideration at public hearing on December 9th, 3. Marlene Duffin, requesting the Council encourage Green Valley Disposal Co. to conduct a voluntary pick-up, with at least 2 weeks prior notice. - Mayor advised that second trash pick~up 4. Gladys Armstrong, President, Los Gatos-Saratoga Branch, A.A.U.W., protesting the City Council's adoption of a minute resolution to charge for Planning Commission and City Council agenda materials. - City' Manager to reply. 5. Mr. and Mrs. John G. Jorgensen, 13631 Saratoga Ave., requesting the City Council to reconsider its decision on the library site and reverse its vote to favor the Saratoga Avenue-Sacred'Heart Church site. - Noted and filed. 6. Harry Mayfield, President, Good Government Group, urging a prompt decision to select the Saratoga Avenue site near Sacred Heart Church for the.~new library. - Noted and filed. 7. Charles E. Huff, 12725 Miller Avenue, urging the Council to reject any con- sideration of the Sacred Heart Church site for the library, and reopen negotiations with Dr. Abrams. ~ .Noted and filed. 8. Copy of.a letter ~to Rod Diridon, Supervisor, from Mrs. Paul L. Brobst, Friends of the Saratoga Librarg, expressing concern in having the construction of the Saratoga Library begin as soon as possible. - Noted and filed. 9. Frank Perdichizzi, 19804 Colby Court, complimenting the Friends of the Saratoga Library for their valuable service to the Community, etc., and bringing attention to some considerations of their November-December Newsletter. ~ Noted and filed. 10. Mr. and Mrs.~ Yas~e, 13407. Christie Drive, su6porting ,the proposed stadium at West Valley College. - Noted and filed. 11. Carolyn M. Kadas, 13266 Paramount Drive, urging the immediate approval and installation of stadium lights at WeSt Valley.College. - Noted and filed. 12. Copy of a letter from E~inor Mansfield, C~airman,~ A.A.U.W. Council, to Raymond C. Benech, Chai.rman, County.Planning Commission, giving comments on the Solid Waste Management P]an for Santa Clara County. - Noted and filed. 13. Mr. Charles Guichard, 21130Wardell Road, suggesting a modification to the present ordinance to allow Agricultural zoning on land under five acres. ~ It was the feeling of the Council this policy has been thoroughly discussed by the Council prior to being established, and therefore, voted not to persue this request. 14. John Weir, President, and Russell Crowther, representing Arguello Homeowners Association, commenting on the newly-adopted Ordinance NS-3.32. - Noted and filed. 15. Virginia Dean and Fred Gross, 20873 Hillmoor Drive, opposing the development of Blackwell Homes. - Noted and filed. 16. John Weir and Russell Crowther, Arguello Homeowners Association, expressing concern over the development of. Parker Ranch. - Noted and filed. 17. Mr. and Mrs. Guthrie Hollingshead, 20775 St. Joan Court, requesting the City Council give consideration to problems they feel concern the future of Parker Ranch. j- Noted and filed. 18. Mr. Paul F. Byrd,s21100 Sullivan Way, requesting permission from the City Council to trim certain trees obstructing his front view. -Referred to Planning Staff for review and follow up. -8- B. ORAL Councilman Kr~us indicated he has heard of some problems with regard to Flood Insurance, particularly as it relates to obtaining a loan. The City Manager advised that the City just received the new HUD-approved maps, and the staff is currently reviewi,n9 them to see if they are acceptable to the City. He indicated in July 1974, it became mandatory to obtain flood insurance, and the most recent problem has been trying to get reasonable maps approved that don't cover the water front~'~but just cover the area that fits the concern. Mr. Hendrickson, Assistant to the City Manager, indicated that the problem San Jose is having seems to be centered around not 'getting approval of the maps, and San Jose has not been designated as a community eligible under the NationalFlood Insurance Act; therefore, by delineatin9 these areas on the map, people can at'least buy Flood Insurance in Saratoga; He indicated that in order to obtain a loan in Saratoga, it is required to have Flood Insurance. The Mayor recognized the presence of public group representatives in the audience, as follows: Fred Lustig,~natoga'Pl~n!ng COmmission; April Barrett,-League of Women Voter~'I~k Abr~'s'C'prides Crossing.Homeowners Association; Nancy MacDonald,.Republican Central Committee;_~a~r!ene Duffin, Wildwood Heights Homeowners Association;~Judy Corliss,~Bresi~t-Lea~ue o~ Women Voters; Julie Bl~ck, Good GoVernment Gro~i~Stan ~1'1 ,'-.I~ Chairman-Saratoga Planning Comission; and John Campbell% SaratOga' Library Commission. IX. ADJOURNMENT It was moved by Councilman Brigham and seconded by Councilwoman Corr the meeting to adjourned to an Adjourned Regular Meeting on Tuesday~ December 9, 1975. The motion was carried. The meeting was adjourned at 9:55 P.M. Respectful submitted, · ~, . -9 -